Definitions for tantalizeˈtæn tlˌaɪz
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
tan•ta•lizeˈtæn tlˌaɪz(v.t.)-lized, -liz•ing.
to torment with, or as if with, the sight of something desired but out of reach; tease by arousing expectations.
Origin of tantalize:
1590–1600; Tantal (us ) + -ize
tan′ta•liz`er(n.)
Princeton's WordNet
tease, razz, rag, cod, tantalize, tantalise, bait, taunt, twit, rally, ride(verb)
harass with persistent criticism or carping
"The children teased the new teacher"; "Don't ride me so hard over my failure"; "His fellow workers razzed him when he wore a jacket and tie"
Wiktionary
tantalize(Verb)
to tease (someone) by offering something desirable but keeping it out of reach
tantalize(Verb)
to bait (someone) by showing something desirable but leaving them unsatisfied
Origin: From Tantalus (Τάνταλος) in Greek mythology, who was condemned to Tartarus in the underworld. There, he had to stand for eternity in water that receded from him when he stooped to drink, beneath fruit trees whose branches were always out of reach.
Webster Dictionary
Tantalize(verb)
to tease or torment by presenting some good to the view and exciting desire, but continually frustrating the expectations by keeping that good out of reach; to tease; to torment
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