Lexic.us

Definition of Tantalize

1. Verb. Harass with persistent criticism or carping. "His fellow workers razzed him when he wore a jacket and tie"

Definition of Tantalize

1. v. t. To tease or torment by presenting some good to the view and exciting desire, but continually frustrating the expectations by keeping that good out of reach; to tease; to torment.

Definition of Tantalize

1. Verb. (transitive) to tease (someone) by offering something desirable but keeping it out of reach ¹

2. Verb. (transitive) to bait (someone) by showing something desirable but leaving them unsatisfied ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Tantalize

1. [v -LIZED, -LIZING, -LIZES]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Tantalize

Literary usage of Tantalize

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. English Synonyms Explained, in Alphabetical Order: With Copious by George Crabb (1818)
"Action, agency. AGENT, V. Actor. AGENT, v. Minister. AGENT, v. Factor. TO AGGRAVATE. IRRITATE, PROVOKE, EXASPERATE, tantalize. . AGGRAVATE, in Latin aggra- ..."

2. Poems and Songs by Thomas Flatman (1682)
"... Soul to tantalize? V §' I bop'd for Heav'n, which I had lately fcd^v.' "H But ne'r Perceiv'd the Gulph between : - ~ i In vain for ..."

3. The Diary and Letters of His Excellency Thomas Hutchinson ... Captain by Thomas Hutchinson (1884)
"... tantalize, as the ground was always so wet, (even in the middle of summer) that it was impossible to enjoy it by walking. We carried it on till it was ..."

4. Sketches in Crude Oil: Some Accidents and Incidents of the Petroleum by John James McLaurin (1896)
"... a trifle north to tantalize believers in a straight "belt." Lines and belts and theories and former experiences amounted to little or nothing. ..."

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