whetting
verb (present participle)UK /ˈwetɪŋ/
US /ˈwetɪŋ/
Making something sharp by rubbing it on a stone.
He is whetting the knife before cutting the bread.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Making someone want something more, like hunger or curiosity.
The smell of cookies was whetting my appetite.
3. Stirring up or increasing a feeling or desire.
The trailer was whetting fans' excitement for the movie.
4. The act of sharpening a tool or blade.
Whetting the axe took him a few minutes.