tantalization
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tan·ta·lize
(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.
[From Latin Tantalus, Tantalus; see Tantalus.]
tan′ta·li·za′tion (-lĭ-zā′shən) n.
tan′ta·liz′er n.
tan′ta·liz′ing·ly adv.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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| 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"harassment, molestation - the act of tormenting by continued persistent attacks and criticism |
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