Whet (verb)

To make keen or more acute, to sharpen, to stimulate or excite the interest or desire.

Origin:

Middle english whetten, from old english hwettan to sharpen.

Examples:

1. He whetted the knife on a stone.
2. She whetted her appetite before dinner.
3. He whetted the audience's interest with his opening statement.
4. She whetted her skills by practicing every day.
5. The new information whetted their curiosity.