What is the meaning of tantalising?

verb

  • Harass with persistent criticism or carping.
    • usage: "The children teased the new teacher"; "Don't ride me so hard over my failure"; "His fellow workers razzed him when he wore a jacket and tie"

adjective

  • Arousing desire or expectation for something unattainable or mockingly out of reach.
    • usage: "a tantalizing taste of success"
  • Very pleasantly inviting.
    • usage: "a tantalizing aroma"; "a tempting repast"
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APAWordNet. (2010). tantalising. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/tantalising/definitions/1185052
ChicagoWordNet. 2010. "tantalising" http://smartdefine.org/tantalising/definitions/1185052 (accessed September 20, 2026).
HarvardWordNet 2010, tantalising, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/tantalising/definitions/1185052>.
MLAWordNet. "tantalising" 23 October 2010. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/tantalising/definitions/1185052>