tantalize
[tan-tl-ahyz]
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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RELATED WORDS
annoy, fascinate, frustrate, baffle, torment, entice, titillate, bedevil, gnaw, bait, torture, beleaguer, taunt, pester, harass, charm, harry, plague, thwart, worry
Also especially British, tan·ta·lise.
Origin of tantalize
Synonyms for tantalize
Antonyms for tantalize
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for tantalize
Historical Examples of tantalize
He proceeded to tantalize me by telling what a mule he had, and what a little mare he had, at home.
I could charm her, tantalize her, quicken her mind, arouse her imagination.
But is not this to tantalize us by ordering us to do what we cannot do?
The Expositor's Bible: The Book of JoshuaWilliam Garden Blaikie
He wished to tantalize her, to draw her on, as he had the night before—to be cruel, to make her suffer!
The SalamanderOwen Johnson
It occurred to Johnny that after all she had a right to tantalize—and this was really no moment for capitulation.
The Innocent AdventuressMary Hastings Bradley
tantalize
tantalise
verb
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
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper