| 释义 |
tan·ta·lize
\ˈtantəlˌīz, ˈtaan-\ verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
Usage: see -ize
Etymology: Tantalus, in Greco-Roman mythology the king of Phrygia who for his sins was condemned to stand in Tartarus up to his chin in water that receded whenever he stooped to drink and under some branches of fruit that likewise receded whenever he tried to grasp them (from Latin, from Greek Tantalos) + English -ize
transitive verb
: to tease or torment by presenting something to the view and exciting desire but continually frustrating the expectations by keeping it out of reach
< anchors, dots, and arrows on the rocks … have long tantalized treasure hunters — American Guide Series: Oregon >
< tantalized by dreams of being … his country's savior — John Buchan >
< tantalize their publishers by submitting synopses that sparkle — Bennett Cerf >
intransitive verb
obsolete : to suffer in a manner resembling Tantalus
Synonyms: see worry |