tantalise

Torment with desire

To tantalise is to tease or torment by presenting something desirable but keeping it just out of reach.

The word comes from Tantalus, a figure in Greek mythology condemned to stand in water beneath fruit trees—both receding whenever he reached for them.

A tantalising glimpse, offer, or possibility excites desire without satisfying it.

British spelling; Americans use tantalize.

entice

allure

Attractive, tempting quality

  • enticeAttract by offering appeal
  • temptDraw toward wrongdoing
  • lureThing that tempts

tease · bait · dangle · beckon · seduce · charm · captivate · fascinate · enchant · bewitch

frustrate

torment

Severe prolonged suffering

  • tortureDeliberate infliction of suffering
  • tauntInsulting provocation
  • mockScornful imitation or fake

provoke · exasperate · deny · withhold · tease · cruelly · unreachable · unattainable · out of reach · almost

desire

yearn

Deeply desire something

  • craveIntensely desire something
  • longOf great extent
  • pineCone-bearing evergreen

ache · hunger · thirst · covet · want · wish · hanker · desire · appetite · urge

sensory

aroma

Pleasant distinctive smell

sight · whiff · hint · suggestion · promise · preview · sample · morsel · fleeting · ephemeral

Opposites
fulfillment of desire

tantalisesatisfy

Meet a need fully

fulfil · gratify · sate · satiate · quench

emotional effect

tantaliserelieve

Lessen pain or burden

reassure · comfort · soothe · calm · bore

Family

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Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G