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tantalizing |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Tantalize \Tan"ta*lize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Tantalized}; p. pr & vb n. {Tantalizing}.] [From {Tantalus}: cf F. tantaliser.] 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. Thy vain desires, at strife Within themselves, have tantalized thy life. --Dryden. Syn: To tease; vex; irritate; provoke. Usage: {Tantalize}, {Disappoint}. To disappoint is literally to do away with what was (or was taken to be) appointed; hence the peculiar pain from hopes thus dashed to the ground. To tantalize, a much stronger term, describes a most distressing form of disappointment, as in the case of Tantalus, the Phrygian king. To tantalize is to visit with the bitterest disappointment -- to torment by exciting hopes or expectations which can never be realized. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: tantalizing adj 1: arousing desire or expectation for something unattainable or mockingly out of reach; "a tantalizing taste of success" 2: very pleasantly inviting; "a tantalizing aroma"; "a tempting repast" [syn: {tempting}]
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