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tantalize

 - 2 dictionary results

tan⋅ta⋅lize

[tan-tl-ahyz]
–verb (used with object), -lized, -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:
1590–1600; Tantal(us) + -ize


tan⋅ta⋅li⋅za⋅tion, noun
tan⋅ta⋅liz⋅er, noun


provoke, taunt, tempt; frustrate.


satisfy.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To tantalize
tan·ta·lize   (tān'tə-līz')   
tr.v.   tan·ta·lized, tan·ta·liz·ing, tan·ta·liz·es
To excite (another) by exposing something desirable while keeping it out of reach.

[From Latin Tantalus, Tantalus; see Tantalus.]
tan'ta·li·za'tion (-lĭ-zā'shən) n., tan'ta·liz'er n., tan'ta·liz'ing·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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