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Definition of appetize

appetize

/ˈæp.ə.taɪz/
(UK: appetise)
Adverb:appetizingly
•
Adjective:appetizing
•
Past Simple:appetized
•
Past Participle:appetized
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Present Participle:appetizing
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appetize Lexical Profile

appetize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To stimulate or whet the appetite or desire of someone, especially for food.

Example

"The savory aroma of roasted garlic and fresh herbs drifting from the kitchen was enough to appetize all the dinner guests."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for appetize
Antonyms
View all antonyms for appetize

Word Nuance & Usage

While the base verb 'appetize' is relatively rare in everyday conversation, its participial adjective 'appetizing' and derived noun 'appetizer' are standard and widely used.

• Nearby Words

appendicitis
appendix
appetite
appetize
appetizer
appetizing
appetizingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 18th century from 'appetite' and the verb-forming suffix '-ize', ultimately tracing back through Old French to the Latin 'appetitus' ('a longing for or desire toward'), from 'appetere' ('to strive after').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Appetize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/appetize
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