'Tantalizing' definitions:
Definition of 'tantalizing'
(from WordNet)
adjective
Arousing desire or expectation for something unattainable or mockingly out of reach; "a tantalizing taste of success" [syn: tantalizing, tantalising]
adjective
Very pleasantly inviting; "a tantalizing aroma"; "a tempting repast" [syn: tantalizing, tantalising, tempting]
Definition of 'Tantalizing'
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 'tantalizing'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- acceptable,
- adorable,
- agitating,
- agreeable,
- alluring,
- appealing,
- appetizing,
- attractive,
- beguiling,
- bewitching,
- blandishing,
- breathtaking,
- cajoling,
- captivating,
- catching,
- charged,
- charismatic,
- charming,
- cliff-hanging,
- coaxing,
- come-hither,
- coquettish,
- delightful,
- desirable,
- disappointing,
- disquieting,
- distracting,
- disturbing,
- electric,
- enchanting,
- engaging,
- enravishing,
- enthralling,
- enticing,
- entrancing,
- enviable,
- exciting,
- exhilarating,
- exotic,
- exquisite,
- falling short,
- fascinating,
- fetching,
- flirtatious,
- galvanic,
- glamorous,
- heady,
- heart-expanding,
- heart-robbing,
- heart-stirring,
- heart-swelling,
- heart-thrilling,
- hypnotic,
- impressive,
- inflammatory,
- interesting,
- intoxicating,
- intriguing,
- inviting,
- irresistible,
- jarring,
- jolting,
- juicy,
- likable,
- lively,
- lovable,
- lovely,
- luxurious,
- maddening,
- mesmeric,
- mind-blowing,
- mouth-watering,
- moving,
- overcoming,
- overmastering,
- overpowering,
- overwhelming,
- perturbing,
- piquant,
- pleasing,
- prepossessing,
- provocative,
- provoking,
- provoquant,
- racy,
- ravishing,
- readable,
- rich,
- second best,
- seducing,
- seductive,
- sensuous,
- siren,
- sirenic,
- soul-stirring,
- spellbinding,
- spellful,
- spicy,
- spirit-stirring,
- stimulating,
- stimulative,
- stirring,
- striking,
- succulent,
- suspenseful,
- suspensive,
- taking,
- teasing,
- telling,
- tempting,
- thought-challenging,
- thought-inspiring,
- thought-provoking,
- thrilling,
- thrilly,
- tickling,
- titillating,
- titillative,
- to be desired,
- toothsome,
- troubling,
- unobjectionable,
- unsatisfactory,
- unsettling,
- upsetting,
- voluptuous,
- winning,
- winsome,
- witching,
- worth having