whet the appetite; stimulate interest; keep in suspense
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesverb
to whet the appetite (using tasty food)
Literally refers to stimulating physical hunger through appealing food, often as a preparatory step before a meal.
Have a bowl of soup before the meal to whet your appetite.
This restaurant uses the aroma of spices to stimulate customers' appetites.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Don't eat too many snacks, or you won't have an appetite left for dinner.
verb
to arouse desire or interest; to titillate; to deliberately keep someone in suspense
neutralFigurative usage common in marketing, entertainment, and storytelling. Often implies deliberately creating anticipation or suspense without immediate resolution. Can carry a slightly negative connotation of manipulation.
The director deliberately kept the audience in suspense, not revealing the truth until the final episode.
The company released news early to build anticipation and create momentum for the new product launch.
Show 2 more examplesShow fewer examples
Stop keeping me in suspense and tell me the result already!
The opening of this novel really hooks the reader's interest.