tantalize
Translation
to tantalise, to tease, to torment
Examples
The smell of food tantalized the hungry man.
The smell of food tantalised the hungry man.
Don't tantalize the dog with that treat.
Don't tantalise the dog with that treat.
Grammar Patterns
to tantalize ((sb.)) 〈with sth.〉 to tease (sb.) with the promise of (sth.) unobtainable The advertisement tantalized her with images of a tropical vacation.
Similar Words
Synonyms: tease, torment, tempt, entice
Etymology
From the Greek myth of Tantalus, who was punished by being unable to reach fruit and water that were just out of his grasp.
Memory Tips
Remember the story of Tantalus, forever reaching for fruit and water he can't have. To tantalise is to do that to someone else.