Tantalize

Pronunciation: /ˈtæntəˌlaɪz/

Definitions of tantalize

verb to torment or tease someone with the sight or promise of something that is unobtainable or out of reach

Example Sentences

A1 The smell of freshly baked cookies tantalized me as I walked past the bakery.

A2 The advertisement for the new movie tantalized me with exciting action scenes.

B1 The restaurant's menu tantalized my taste buds with a variety of delicious options.

B2 The book's mysterious plot tantalized readers, keeping them eagerly turning the pages.

C1 The artist's latest exhibition tantalized art enthusiasts with its innovative techniques and concepts.

C2 The chef's culinary creations never failed to tantalize even the most discerning food critics.

Examples of tantalize in a Sentence

formal The chef's presentation of the dish was designed to tantalize the taste buds of the diners.

informal The smell of freshly baked cookies always tantalizes me.

slang That new movie trailer is so good, it's definitely going to tantalize audiences.

figurative Her mysterious smile seemed to tantalize him, leaving him wanting to know more about her.

Grammatical Forms of tantalize

• past tense: tantalized
• plural: tantalizes
• comparative: more tantalizing
• superlative: most tantalizing
• present tense: tantalize
• future tense: will tantalize
• perfect tense: has tantalized
• continuous tense: is tantalizing
• singular: tantalize
• positive degree: tantalizing
• infinitive: to tantalize
• gerund: tantalizing
• participle: tantalized

Origin and Evolution of tantalize

First Known Use: 1597 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'tantalize' originates from Greek mythology, specifically from the story of Tantalus, a figure who was condemned to eternal thirst and hunger in the underworld. He was surrounded by water he could not drink and fruit he could not reach, forever tantalizingly close but out of his grasp.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'tantalize' has evolved to mean teasing or tormenting someone with the sight or promise of something that is unobtainable. It has also come to signify creating a strong desire or craving for something that remains out of reach.