Whet

Quick meaning: Whet is a verb meaning To sharpen (something, such as a knife or sword) by rubbing on an object, especially a whetstone; to hone.

Meaning

To sharpen (something, such as a knife or sword) by rubbing on an object, especially a whetstone; to hone.

More Meanings

1. 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.
2. To make more keen or to stimulate (someone's appetite, interest, etc.); to hone, to sharpen.
3. To encourage (someone) to do something; to incite, to urge.
4. To inculcate or teach (habits, information, etc.).
5. Of a bird: to preen (its feathers).
6. To make more keen; to stimulate.
7. To prepare for an attack.

Example Sentences

sips, drams, and whets

And the Mower whets his ſithe,

to whet one's appetite or one's courage

Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly?

Word Forms

• whets
• whetting
• whetted
• whettest
• whettedst
• whetteth

Synonyms for whet

Depending on context, synonyms include steel, strop, awaken, electrify, enflame, enkindle.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include quicken, hone, saw, sharpen, raise, arouse.

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