Guest
NerdDictionary The dictionary that writes itself

tantalise JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/ˈtæntəlʌɪz/ · tan·ta·lise
verb
  1. To tease (someone) by offering something desirable but keeping it out of reach. The marketing campaign tantalised shoppers with glimpses of the new gadget, yet the product launch was still months away.
  2. To bait (someone) by showing something desirable but leaving them unsatisfied. He tantalised his friends with the promise of a surprise party, but never revealed any details.
Did you know? The word derives from the punishment of Tantalus, who stood in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree, forever unable to drink or eat, embodying the feeling of being tantalised.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 15, 2026