Tantalize \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.
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         Thy vain desires, at strife
         Within themselves, have tantalized thy life. --Dryden.
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   Syn: To tease; vex; irritate; provoke.

   Usage: 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.
          [1913 Webster]