tantalize

IPA/ˈtæntəlaɪz/
KK[tˈæntəlˌaɪz]IPA/ˈtæntəlaɪz/

tantalize — verb

  • tantalizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • tantalizeshe / she / it
  • tantalizedpast simple
  • tantalizing-ing form

1. to arouse a strong desire in someone for something they cannot have, especially

1.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

to arouse a strong desire in someone for something they cannot have, especially by presenting it in a way that creates excitement without ever satisfying the longing

Example

The smell of bread from the closed bakery tantalized Nila every morning.

Lukas was tantalized by job ads for overseas postings he could not apply for.

passive: be tantalized by [opportunity]

Common collocations
  • tantalize with false promises
  • tantalizing glimpse
  • tantalizing possibility
  • tantalized by the thought
  • tantalized by the smell
Synonyms
  • tempt

    Tempt suggests the thing is actually available and the person might act on the desire; tantalize keeps the object out of reach.

  • entice

    Entice implies a deliberate effort to attract someone with a real offer; tantalize creates desire without the intention to satisfy it.

  • allure

    Allure describes an attractive quality or pull; it is less about the frustration of not obtaining the thing.

Antonyms
  • satisfy

    Satisfy means to fulfill a desire; tantalize deliberately creates desire without fulfillment.

  • gratify

    Gratify implies giving someone what they want; tantalize withholds it.

Grammar Patterns

tantalize + [person]

tantalize + [person] + with + [thing]

be tantalized + by + [thing]

Usage Note

Often used in the passive voice ('be tantalized by'). The source of desire is typically introduced with 'by' or 'with'.

Common Mistakes

The job offer tantalized her with a high salary she could easily earn.
The job offer tempted her with a high salary she could easily earn.
'tantalize' implies the desirable thing is not actually within reach; use 'tempt' for realistic offers.
He kept tantalizing his little sister by hiding her doll behind his back.
He kept teasing his little sister by hiding her doll behind his back.
'tease' is playful and personal; 'tantalize' involves a yearning for something shown but kept out of reach.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four words describe drawing someone toward something desirable, but they differ in whether the desire can be fulfilled. Tantalize emphasises that the desired object stays out of reach — the person is shown something wonderful but cannot have it. Tempt implies a real possibility: the person could choose to take it, and the question is one of self-control. Entice is more neutral and deliberate — someone or something actively attracts you with an appealing offer. Allure describes a magnetic pull or charm that is often passive and atmospheric rather than a direct invitation. Lure can be neutral or negative, often suggesting a trap or deception. A job advertisement might entice you with a high salary, tempt you to apply, and tantalize you with a position you are not qualified for, while a fraudulent offer lures you into giving away personal information.

tempt ↗entice ↗allure ↗lure ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • tantalize with false hopes
  • tantalize with the prospect of

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinEnglish

From the Greek mythological figure Tantalus, a son of Zeus who was punished in the underworld by being made to stand in water that receded when he tried to drink, beneath fruit trees whose branches pulled away when he reached for them. The English verb 'tantalize' entered the language in the late 1500s, capturing the idea of presenting something desirable while keeping it frustratingly out of reach.

First known use

1597

1597, in the meaning defined at transitive sense