She was tantalized by the possibility of earning a lot of money quickly.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tantalize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pity poor King Tantalus of Phrygia. The mythic monarch offended the ancient Greek gods. As punishment, he was plunged up to his chin in water in Hades, where he had to stand beneath overhanging boughs of a tree heavily laden with ripe, juicy fruit. But though he was always hungry and thirsty, Tantalus could neither drink the water nor eat the fruit. Anytime he reached for them, they would retreat from him. Our word tantalize is taken from the name of the eternally tormented king.
First Known Use: 1597
in the meaning defined at transitive sense
See Words from the same year: to cause (someone) to feel interest or excitement about something that is very attractive, appealing, etc.
See words that rhyme with tantalize Spanish Central: Translation of tantalize Nglish: Translation of tantalize for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of tantalize for Arabic speakers
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