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. -- 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.
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. -- 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.
