tantalizing

[ tan-tl-ahy-zing ]
/ ˈtæn tlˌaɪ zɪŋ /

adjective

having or exhibiting something that provokes or arouses expectation, interest, or desire, especially that which remains unobtainable or beyond one's reach: a tantalizing taste of success.

Origin of tantalizing

First recorded in 1650–60; tantalize + -ing2

OTHER WORDS FROM tantalizing

tan·ta·liz·ing·ly, adverb un·tan·ta·liz·ing, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH tantalizing

tantalizing titillating

Definition for tantalizing (2 of 2)

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, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for tantalizing

British Dictionary definitions for tantalizing

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, adverb

Word Origin for tantalize

C16: from the punishment of Tantalus