tantalize

/ˈtæntəlaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈæntəlˌaɪz] /ˈtæntəlaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈæntəlˌaɪz] /ˈtan-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce tantalize (audio)/ (ame, mw)

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.動詞及物C1
釋義

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

例句

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]

同義詞
  • 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.

反義詞
  • satisfy

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

  • gratify

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

文法句型

tantalize + [person]

tantalize + [person] + with + [thing]

be tantalized + by + [thing]

用法筆記

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

常見錯誤

❌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.