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.
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, noun tan·ta·liz·er, noun un·tan·ta·lized, adjectiveWords nearby tantalize
tanta,
tantalate,
tantalic,
tantalic acid,
tantalite,
tantalize,
tantalizing,
tantalous,
tantalum,
tantalus,
tantalus monkey
Example sentences from the Web for tantalise
British Dictionary definitions for tantalise
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, noun tantalizer or tantaliser, noun tantalizing or tantalising, adjective tantalizingly or tantalisingly, adverbWord Origin for tantalize
C16: from the punishment of
Tantalus