blue-balled
Arousal without release
Blue-balled describes the state of being left sexually aroused without release.
The term comes from "blue balls," the uncomfortable sensation men reportedly experience from prolonged arousal without orgasm.
By extension, it applies to any situation where anticipation builds toward something that never arrives: The season finale blue-balled us with that cliffhanger.
Sometimes hyphenated, sometimes not.
Failure to satisfy expectations
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- hypeExaggerated promotional fanfare
- promisedGave one's word
- undeliveredNot brought to destination
buildup · expectation · tease · disappointment · strung along · waiting · unfulfilled · dangled
Annoyed by obstacles
- arousedAwakened or excited
- deniedRefused or disavowed
- teasedMocked playfully
- unfulfilledNot brought to completion
edged · left hanging · pent-up · worked up · turned on · rejected · unsatisfied · cockblocked
letdown
Failure to satisfy expectations
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- hypeExaggerated promotional fanfare
- promisedGave one's word
undelivered · buildup · expectation · tease · disappointment · strung along · waiting · unfulfilled · dangled · bait-and-switch
frustrated
Annoyed by obstacles
unfulfilled · edged · left hanging · pent-up · worked up · turned on · rejected · unsatisfied · cockblocked · anticipation