tantalize
[ tan-tl-ahyz ]
/ ˈtæn tlˌaɪz /
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.
Nearby words
tanta, tantalate, tantalic, tantalic acid, tantalite, tantalize, tantalizing, tantalous, tantalum, tantalus, tantalus monkey
Also especially British, tan·ta·lise.
Origin of tantalize
SYNONYMS FOR tantalize
Related forms
tan·ta·li·za·tion, nountan·ta·liz·er, nounun·tan·ta·lized, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for tantalize
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
tantalization or tantalisation, nountantalizer or tantaliser, nountantalizing or tantalising, adjectivetantalizingly or tantalisingly, adverbWord Origin for tantalize
C16: from the punishment of Tantalus
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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