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tantalize

[ tan-tl-ahyz ]
/ ˈtæn tlˌaɪz /
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See synonyms for: tantalize / tantalized / tantalizing / tantalization on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), tan·ta·lized, tan·ta·liz·ing.
to torment with, or as if with, the sight of something desired but out of reach; tease by arousing expectations that are repeatedly disappointed.
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Also especially British, tan·ta·lise .

Origin of tantalize

First recorded in 1590–1600; Tantal(us) + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM tantalize

tan·ta·li·za·tion, nountan·ta·liz·er, nounun·tan·ta·lized, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to tantalize

annoy, baffle, entice, fascinate, frustrate, titillate, torment, badger, bait, bedevil, beleaguer, charm, gnaw, harass, harry, pester, plague, taunt, thwart, torture

How to use tantalize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for tantalize

tantalize

tantalise

/ (ˈtæntəˌlaɪz) /
verb
(tr) to tease or make frustrated, as by tormenting with the sight of something greatly desired but inaccessible

Derived forms of tantalize

tantalization or tantalisation, nountantalizer or tantaliser, nountantalizing or tantalising, adjectivetantalizingly or tantalisingly, adverb

Word Origin for tantalize

C16: from the punishment of Tantalus
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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