ˈtant ə lˌīz, ˈtaan- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Usage: see -ize
Etymology: Tantal us, in Greco-Roman mythology the king of Phrygia who for his sins was condemned to stand in Tartarus up to his chin in water that receded whenever he stooped to drink and under some branches of fruit that likewise receded whenever he tried to grasp them (from Latin, from Greek Tantalos ) + English -ize
transitive verb
: to tease or torment by presenting something to the view and exciting desire but continually frustrating the expectations by keeping it out of reach
anchors, dots, and arrows on the rocks … have long tantalized treasure hunters — American Guide Series: Oregon
tantalized by dreams of being … his country's savior — John Buchan
tantalize their publishers by submitting synopses that sparkle — Bennett Cerf
intransitive verb
obsolete : to suffer in a manner resembling Tantalus
Synonyms: see worry