tantalize
Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
tantalize /ˈtantəlʌɪz/ (or tantalise)
▶verb torment or tease with the sight or promise of something that is unobtainable.
– derivatives
tantalization noun,
tantalizer noun,
tantalizing adjective,
tantalizingly adverb.
tantalization noun,
tantalizer noun,
tantalizing adjective,
tantalizingly adverb.
– origin C16: from Tantalus in Greek mythology, who was punished for his crimes by being provided with fruit and water which receded when he reached for them, + -ize.
'tantalize' also found in these Oxford entries:
