DictionaryRoot: Tantalus
Latin
Tantalus
a mythical king
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verb
tantalize
TAN-tuh-lyze/ˈtæntəlaɪz/
To tease by offering something desirable but keeping it out of reach.
Etymology
Tantalus was punished with water and fruit that withdrew whenever he tried to drink or eat. To tantalize someone is to recreate that frustration by keeping something desirable just beyond reach.