tantalization

tan·ta·lize

T0039900 (tăn′tə-līz′)tr.v. tan·ta·lized, tan·ta·liz·ing, tan·ta·liz·es 1. To excite by exposing something desirable that remains or is made difficult or impossible to obtain: Researchers have been tantalized by the possibility of finding a cure for the disease.2. To be strongly attractive to; excite the senses or desire of: The aroma coming from the bakery tantalized us.

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[From Latin Tantalus, Tantalus; see Tantalus.]

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tan′ta·li·za′tion (-lĭ-zā′shən) n.tan′ta·liz′er n.tan′ta·liz′ing·ly adv.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

tantalization - the act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously (especially by ridicule); provoking someone with persistent annoyances; "he ignored their teases"; "his ribbing was gentle but persistent"teasing, ribbing, teaseharassment, molestation - the act of tormenting by continued persistent attacks and criticism