\Tan"ta*lize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Tantalized}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Tantalizing}.] [From {Tantalus}: cf. F.
tantaliser.]
To tease or torment by presenting some good to the view and
exciting desire, but continually frustrating the expectations
by keeping that good out of reach; to tease; to torment.
      Thy vain desires, at strife Within themselves, have
      tantalized thy life.                     --Dryden.
Syn: To tease; vex; irritate; provoke.
Usage: {Tantalize}, {Disappoint}. To disappoint is literally
       to do away with what was (or was taken to be)
       appointed; hence the peculiar pain from hopes thus
       dashed to the ground. To tantalize, a much stronger
       term, describes a most distressing form of
       disappointment, as in the case of Tantalus, the
       Phrygian king. To tantalize is to visit with the
       bitterest disappointment -- to torment by exciting
       hopes or expectations which can never be realized.