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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Tantalize \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.
[1913 Webster]

Thy vain desires, at strife
Within themselves, have tantalized thy life. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]

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.
[1913 Webster]