tantalize
gb/tˈæntəlˌaɪz/ us/tˈæntəlˌaɪz/
C1
English
felcsigáz, hiteget
VERB
C1
1
felcsigáz
B2
Usage pattern:
tantalize [someone] with [something] / tantalize [someone] by [doing something]
The trailer tantalized fans with a few seconds of the new villain but revealed almost nothing about the plot.
Az előzetes néhány másodpercre megmutatta az új főgonoszt, ezzel jól felcsigázta a rajongókat, de a cselekményről szinte semmit sem árult el.
The smell of fresh bread from the bakery tantalized her as she hurried past.
Ahogy elsietett a pékség előtt, a friss kenyér illata szinte ellenállhatatlanul csábította.
He tantalized the team with hints about a big announcement, then postponed the meeting.
Learner examples
The ad tantalized me with beautiful pictures of the hotel.
A reklám a szállodáról készült gyönyörű képekkel felcsigázott.
The cake smell tantalized us, but we had to wait.
A sütemény illata csábított bennünket, de várnunk kellett.
Common mistake:
Learners may use it as if it simply meant “interest” or “excite”; it usually implies a frustrating delay or not getting what you want.
Meaning
tempt by showing but withholding
Collocations
tantalize someone with
|tantalize the taste buds
|tantalize someone with the prospect of
|tantalize readers
|tantalize the audience
|tantalize customers
|tantalize someone with hints
|tantalize someone with a glimpse
|a tantalizing aroma
|tantalize someone with details
Synonyms
tempt (More general; does not always include the idea of withholding.)
|
tease (Often more playful; can be less formal than tantalize.)
|
entice (Emphasizes attracting someone toward an action, not necessarily frustration.)
Antonyms
satisfy (Opposite effect: meeting the desire rather than keeping it unfulfilled.)
|
fulfill (Giving what was desired instead of withholding it.)
Themes
emotions
|desire
|communication
|daily_life
|food
Definition
to make someone want something by showing it, but not letting them have it yet
To make someone feel strong desire or curiosity by presenting something attractive while keeping it out of reach or delaying it.
VERB
C1
2
hiteget
B2
Usage pattern:
tantalize [someone]
The company tantalized employees for months with talk of promotions that never came.
A cég hónapokon át hitegette az alkalmazottakat előléptetésekről szóló beszéddel, amelyek aztán sosem valósultak meg.
She felt the game was designed to tantalize players by making rewards seem close but hard to reach.
Úgy érezte, a játékot úgy tervezték, hogy hitegesse a játékosokat: a jutalmak közelinek tűnnek, mégis nehéz elérni őket.
Learner examples
Don’t tantalize him with promises you can’t keep.
Ne hitegesd őt olyan ígéretekkel, amelyeket nem tudsz betartani.
Common mistake:
Not the same as “annoy” in general; it focuses on frustration caused by wanting something.
Meaning
torment by frustrating desire
Collocations
tantalize someone cruelly
|tantalize someone mercilessly
|tantalize and tease
|tantalize someone with false hope
|tantalize someone with promises
|tantalize someone with rumors
|tantalize someone with possibilities
Synonyms
torment (Stronger and more negative; not limited to desire-based frustration.)
|
taunt (Often more openly mocking than tantalize.)
Antonyms
reassure (Reduces anxiety and uncertainty rather than prolonging frustration.)
|
comfort (Soothes rather than provokes desire and disappointment.)
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|conflict
Definition
to tease someone in a way that makes them feel frustrated
To tease or torment someone by repeatedly raising hopes or desires and then frustrating them.
Grammar
Dictionary form
tantalize
IPA
GB/tˈæntəlˌaɪz/
US/tˈæntəlˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
tan - tal - ize (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (tan)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: tantalize
- 3rd Person Singular: tantalizes
- Present Participle: tantalizing
- Past: tantalized
Expressions
tantalize someone with something
1/tˈæntəlˌaɪz sˈʌmwˌʌn wˈɪθ sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
tempt by offering a glimpse
to make someone want something by showing it but not giving it
Examples
- The salesperson tantalized us with a discount but wouldn’t put it in writing.
- She tantalized her followers with behind-the-scenes photos from the set.
Learner examples
- He tantalized me with a secret.
tantalize the taste buds
1/tˈæntəlˌaɪz ðə tˈeɪst bˈʌdz/
fixed phrase
stimulate appetite with appealing flavor
to make food seem very delicious
Examples
- The chef uses citrus and herbs to tantalize the taste buds.
- A spicy aroma drifted from the kitchen, tantalizing the taste buds of everyone in the house.
Learner examples
- This sauce will tantalize your taste buds.