'Tantalized' definitions:

Definition of 'Tantalized'

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]

Words containing 'Tantalized'