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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Tantalize


TAN'TALIZE, verb transitive [from Tantalus, in fable, who was condemned for his crimes to perpetual hunger and thirst, with food and water near him which he could not reach.]

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 tantaliz'd thy life.