tantalize — to torment or tease with the sight or promise of something that is unobtainable
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to torment or tease with the sight or promise of something that is unobtainable
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtæntəˌlaɪz/
Example Sentences
- The movie trailer tantalized viewers with glimpses of amazing special effects.
- My diet was tantalized by the chocolate cake sitting in the fridge all week.
- The job interview tantalized him with promises of a high salary.
tantalize
VERB[/ˈtæntəˌlaɪz/]
to torment or tease with the sight or promise of something that is unobtainable
The apple dangling just out of reach tantalized him.
TANTAL(Tantalus) + IZE(make) — deciding to IZE(make) him suffer like TANTAL(Tantalus), the demons hung fruit just high enough to tantalize the starving man.
The shining prize tantalizes him before he realizes it’s out of reach.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the name Tantalus, a figure in Greek mythology who was punished by being placed in a pool of water and under fruit trees, but whenever he tried to drink or eat, they would move away from him. The verb was formed by adding the suffix -ize to his name.
Breakdown
Tantalus (Greek mythological figure) + -ize (verb suffix meaning 'to cause or make') = tantalize
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The movie trailer tantalized viewers with glimpses of amazing special effects.”
“My diet was tantalized by the chocolate cake sitting in the fridge all week.”
“The job interview tantalized him with promises of a high salary.”
“She tantalized her little brother by holding his favorite toy just out of reach.”
📚Related Words
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