tantalize

[ tan-tl-ahyz ]

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.

   Synonyms: frustrate, tempt, taunt, provoke

   Antonyms: satisfy

tantalize

/ ˈtæntəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. tr to tease or make frustrated, as by tormenting with the sight of something greatly desired but inaccessible

Derived Forms

• ˈtantaˌlizingly, adverb
• ˌtantaliˈzation, noun
• ˈtantaˌlizer, noun
• ˈtantaˌlizing, adjective

Other Words From

• tanta·li·zation noun
• tanta·lizer noun
• un·tanta·lized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tantalize¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; Tantal(us) + -ize

Word History and Origins

Origin of tantalize¹

C16: from the punishment of Tantalus

Example Sentences

Charlie Sykes, a longtime conservative commentator and editor-at-large for the Bulwark, described coverage of critical race theory as a kind of “shark attack politics” relying on a limited set of local anecdotes to tantalize viewers.

From Washington Post

In recent years, film, television, and book deals have become tantalizing secondary revenue sources for high-profile reporters looking for a lucrative paycheck on top of a journalist’s salary.

From The Daily Beast

Every time he stepped on the floor, though, his skill set tantalized, and when the season restarted in the bubble, Porter’s star shone brighter than ever.

From FiveThirtyEight

Only time will tell if that changes in 2021 — but in the first few weeks of the season at least, Buxton has tantalized everyone again with flashes of the stellar player Minnesota has been hoping he would become for years.

From FiveThirtyEight

The park’s tantalizing waterfalls and the strong spring current of the Merced River have also attributed to the high fatality numbers—17 people drowned.

From Outside Online

There was just enough to tantalize the poor brutes without filling their stomachs.

From Project Gutenberg

Details had vanished eons ago, but something still remained to tantalize imagination.

From Project Gutenberg

Trying to tantalize their victim, the Apaches made thrusts at Ensign Dave, and then leaped nimbly back.

From Project Gutenberg

Therefore we call it to tantalize a person to offer him a thing he longs for, and then to draw it away from him.

From Project Gutenberg

This singular punishment inflicted upon Tantalus gave rise to the expression “to tantalize.”

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• annoy
• baffle
• entice
• fascinate
• frustrate
• titillate
• torment