Emily Dickinson Lexicon

TAN'TA-LIZE, v.t. [from Tantalus, in fable, who was condemned for his crimes to perpetual hunger and thirst, with food and water near him which he could not reach.]

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 tantaliz'd thy life. Dryden.