tantalize

verb

tan·​ta·​lize ˈtan-tə-ˌlīz 

tantalized; tantalizing

transitive verb

: to tease or torment by or as if by presenting something desirable to the view but continually keeping it out of reach

intransitive verb

: to cause one to be tantalized

tantalizer noun

Did you know?

Pity poor King Tantalus of Lydia. The mythic monarch offended the ancient Greek gods. As punishment, according to Homer's Odyssey, 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 moved to get them, they would retreat from his reach. Our word tantalize is taken from the name of the eternally tormented king.

Examples of tantalize in a Sentence

She was tantalized by the possibility of earning a lot of money quickly.

Recent Examples on the Web

The loss of Mayman’s jetpack is offset by the tantalizing prospect of a flying motorcycle. —J. George Gorant, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2024

Whatever the route, the new research surfaces tantalizing evidence that programmed cell death may be older than anyone realized, and more universal. —Quanta Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024

As its rumbly base rests in your palm, this external vibrator covers more surface area and can be used to tickle and tantalize just about any sweet spot on your body. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 3 Mar. 2024

There were tantalizing references by Frank to any number of these murders on the various wiretaps that were ultimately done. —Journal Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2024

Bright, deep purple; tantalizing aromas of black plum, cassis and lavender. —Tom Hyland, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your shopping cravings simultaneously. —Kansas City Star, 6 Feb. 2024

In his fourth trip to the Middle East in three months, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is presenting Israel the tantalizing prospect of security and acceptance in the region, with a caveat: Agreeing to a Palestinian state is required. —John Bacon, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2024

For Yash, this translated into creating a concept that not only tantalizes taste buds but also contributes to a healthier, cruelty-free lifestyle. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Tantalus

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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Kids Definition

tantalize

verb

tan·​ta·​lize ˈtant-ᵊl-ˌīz 

tantalized; tantalizing

: to tease or torment by or as if by presenting something desirable to the view but continually keeping it out of reach

tantalizingly

-ˌī-ziŋ-lē

adverb

Etymology

from Greek Tantalus, name of a king in mythology

Word Origin

In Greek mythology, King Tantalus offended the gods, so they punished him in a truly terrible way. He was forced to stand in a lake whose water came up to his neck. But every time Tantalus became thirsty and bent over to drink, the water level dropped so that he could never reach it. Above his head were branches loaded with delicious fruits. Yet every time Tantalus reached up to take a fruit, the branches moved up out of reach, leaving him hungry. Thus, Tantalus was always in torment, and from his name comes the English word for tormenting or teasing someone in a similar way.