appetize
|ap-pe-tize|
/ˈæpɪtaɪz/
cause appetite or interest
Etymology
'appetize' originates from the English formation of the noun 'appetite' plus the verb-forming suffix '-ize'; 'appetite' ultimately comes from Latin 'appetitus', from 'appetere'.
'appetite' derived from Latin 'appetitus' (past participle of 'appetere'), where 'ad-' meant 'to/toward' and 'petere' meant 'to seek'; English formed the verb 'appetize' (Modern English) by adding '-ize' to the noun.
Initially related to a desire or longing (as in Latin 'to strive for'); in English the derived verb came to mean specifically 'to stimulate the appetite' or more generally 'to arouse interest.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to stimulate or increase the appetite; to make someone feel hungry.
Small portions of salad are served to appetize before the main course.
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Verb 2
to make something more appealing or attractive, especially to arouse interest.
Short previews are used to appetize interest in the full program.
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Last updated: 2025/09/25 06:26