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.
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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, adjectiveWords nearby tantalize
Tanta, tantalate, tantalic, tantalic acid, tantalite, tantalize, tantalizing, tantalous, tantalum, Tantalus, tantalus monkey
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences 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 of tantalize
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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