Tantalize: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
tantalize
[ หtรฆn.tl.aษชz ]
to tease
To tantalize means to torment or tease someone with the sight or promise of something that is unobtainable. The term often refers to the act of creating a desire for something by providing some sort of glimpse or hint of what is desired while simultaneously withholding it. This can be used conceptually in various situations, such as in relationships, marketing, or even in literature where a character may desire something that remains just out of reach. The action often leaves a feeling of frustration and longing.
Synonyms
entice, lure, tease, tempt, torment
Examples of usage
- The aroma of fresh cookies tantalized her as she walked by the bakery.
- He was tantalized by the prospect of a promotion that seemed just beyond his grasp.
- The movie's trailer tantalized viewers with glimpses of the breathtaking visuals.
- She felt tantalized by the choices available to her, yet indecisive.
- The mysterious book cover tantalized the reader to delve deeper into the story.
Translations
Translations of the word "tantalize" in other languages:
๐ต๐น tentar
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฒเคฒเคเคพเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช verlocken
๐ฎ๐ฉ menggoda
๐บ๐ฆ ััะณะฝััะธ
๐ต๐ฑ kusiฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใ
๐ซ๐ท tantaliser
๐ช๐ธ tentar
๐น๐ท tahrik etmek
๐ฐ๐ท ์ ํนํ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฅุบุฑุงุก
๐จ๐ฟ lรกkat
๐ธ๐ฐ lรกkaลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ่ฏฑๆ
๐ธ๐ฎ mamiti
๐ฎ๐ธ freista
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะฐัััะผะดั ะตัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ cษlb etmษk
๐ฒ๐ฝ tentar
Etymology
The word 'tantalize' is derived from the name of Tantalus, a figure from Greek mythology. Tantalus was punished by the gods for his misdeeds and was made to stand in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree. Whenever he reached for the fruit, it would recede out of his reach, and whenever he bent down to drink, the water would vanish. This mythological story illustrates the essence of tantalizationโa persistent state of desire and deprivation. The term began to be used in English in the late 16th century, capturing not only the sense of teasing or tempting but also the anguish that accompanies longing for something unattainable. As it evolved, the word not only encompassed the physical aspects of desire but also the emotional and psychological impacts associated with it. Today, 'tantalize' is often used in various contexts, from literature to everyday situations, symbolizing the universal experience of desire and frustration.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #37,031, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.
- ...
- 37028 sophisticate
- 37029 browbeaten
- 37030 bleakest
- 37031 tantalize
- 37032 calcifying
- 37033 swallowtail
- 37034 seductiveness
- ...