whets

Verb

whet (third-person singular simple present whets, present participle whetting, simple past and past participle whetted or (nonstandard) whet)

1. (archaic, transitive) To sharpen (something, such as a knife or sword) by rubbing on an object, especially a whetstone; to hone.
   • Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly?c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward]...

   Synonyms:

   steel, strop

2. (transitive) Of an animal such as a boar: to sharpen (its horns, teeth, tusks, etc.) by rubbing on a stone, etc., in preparation for an attack.
3. (figuratively, transitive) To make more keen or to stimulate (someone's appetite, interest, etc.); to hone, to sharpen.
   • to whet one's appetite or one's courage

   Synonyms:

   rouse, animate, awaken, electrify, enflame, enkindle, enthrill, exagitate, excite, exhilarate

4. (figuratively, obsolete, transitive) To encourage (someone) to do something; to incite, to urge.
5. (figuratively, obsolete, transitive) To inculcate or teach (habits, information, etc.).

   Synonyms:

   abet, actuate, goose, fuel, light a fire under, send, sting, bring about, cheer, draw

6. (figuratively, obsolete, rare, transitive) Of a bird: to preen (its feathers).

   Synonyms:

   primp, smarten up

See all 14 meanings of whet