tantalize

[ tan-tl-ahyz ]
See synonyms for tantalize 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

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

How to use tantalize in a sentence

  • "Yes, the camp, you little tantalizer," chuckled the guardian.

  • John was desperate enough to have shaken the unconscious tantalizer now on his arm.

    The Cottage of Delight | Will N. Harben
  • "Why, Pete ought to be big enough to lick you alone, Strong," continued the tantalizer.

    Hiram The Young Farmer | Burbank L. Todd
  • Preparations for the sailing of the Tantalizer were rapidly going on.

    Natalie | Ferna Vale

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012