'Tantalize' definitions:
Definition of 'tantalize'
From: WordNet
Definition of 'Tantalize'
From: GCIDE
- Tantalize \Tan"ta*lize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tantalized; p. pr. & vb. n. Tantalizing.] [From Tantalus: cf. F. tantaliser.] To tease or torment by presenting some good to the view and exciting desire, but continually frustrating the expectations by keeping that good out of reach; to tease; to torment. [1913 Webster]
- Thy vain desires, at strife Within themselves, have tantalized thy life. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
- Syn: To tease; vex; irritate; provoke.
- Usage: Tantalize, Disappoint. To disappoint is literally to do away with what was (or was taken to be) appointed; hence the peculiar pain from hopes thus dashed to the ground. To tantalize, a much stronger term, describes a most distressing form of disappointment, as in the case of Tantalus, the Phrygian king. To tantalize is to visit with the bitterest disappointment -- to torment by exciting hopes or expectations which can never be realized. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'tantalize'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- affect the interest,
- allure,
- annoy,
- appeal,
- attract,
- badger,
- baffle,
- bait,
- balk,
- be attractive,
- becharm,
- beckon,
- bedevil,
- beleaguer,
- bewitch,
- bilk,
- captivate,
- carry away,
- cast down,
- charm,
- concern,
- cross,
- dash,
- defeat,
- defeat expectation,
- disappoint,
- disillusion,
- dissatisfy,
- draw on,
- enamor,
- endear,
- engage,
- enrapture,
- excite,
- excite interest,
- fascinate,
- fetch,
- foil,
- frustrate,
- gnaw,
- harass,
- harry,
- hold in thrall,
- infatuate,
- inflame with love,
- interest,
- invite,
- involve in,
- let down,
- pester,
- pique,
- plague,
- provoke,
- seduce,
- stimulate,
- summon,
- taunt,
- tease,
- tempt,
- thwart,
- tickle,
- titillate,
- torment,
- torture,
- vamp,
- whet the appetite