tantalize

[ tan-tl-ahyz ]
See synonyms for: tantalizetantalizedtantalizingtantalization on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),tan·ta·lized, tan·ta·liz·ing.
  1. to torment with, or as if with, the sight of something desired but out of reach; tease by arousing expectations that are repeatedly disappointed.

Origin of tantalize

1
First recorded in 1590–1600; Tantal(us) + -ize
  • Also especially British, tan·ta·lise .

Other words for tantalize

Opposites for tantalize

Other words from tantalize

  • tan·ta·li·za·tion, noun
  • tan·ta·liz·er, noun
  • un·tan·ta·lized, adjective

Words Nearby tantalize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use tantalize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for tantalize

tantalize

tantalise

/ (ˈtæntəˌlaɪz) /


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

Origin of tantalize

1
C16: from the punishment of Tantalus

Derived forms of tantalize

  • tantalization or tantalisation, noun
  • tantalizer or tantaliser, noun
  • tantalizing or tantalising, adjective
  • tantalizingly or tantalisingly, adverb

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