tantalise etymology

Etymology:

• From Middle English tantalysen, from Old French tantaliser, from Latin tantalīzāre, from Greek τανταλίζειν (tantalizein), from Τάνταλος (Tantalus), the mythological figure who was punished by the gods by being placed in water up to his chin, but whenever he tried to drink, the water receded; also, the fruit on surrounding trees always hung just out of his reach.

Meaning:

• To tease or torment someone by holding out something desirable but unattainable.
• To torment with unfulfilled desire.

Origin:

The word "tantalize" comes from the Greek myth of Tantalus. Tantalus was a king who was punished by the gods for his hubris. He was placed in a pool of water that receded whenever he tried to drink. Above his head hung a branch of fruit that always moved just out of his reach. The gods condemned him to this torment for all eternity.

The name "Tantalus" is thought to be derived from the Greek word "talanta," which means "balance" or "scales." This suggests that Tantalus' punishment was a punishment for his lack of balance and moderation.

The word "tantalize" has been used in English since the 14th century. It is a powerful word that can be used to describe a wide range of emotional experiences, from simple teasing to extreme torment.

tantalise relate terms

• tantalize

  Etymology Middle English tantelize tantalyze Late Latin tantalizare Greek Tantalizein

• Tantalus

  Etymology The name Tantalus is of Greek origin and has the following possible etymologi

• advertise

  Etymology The word advertise originates from the Latin word advertere which me

• devise

  Etymology French déviser to converse Latin divisus separated divided Meanin

• surprise

  Etymology The word surprise is derived from the Old French word soprise meaning to

• tease

  Etymology Tease originated from Middle English tesen which meant to card wool or fl

• jolly

  Etymology The word jolly comes from the Middle English word joly which in turn comes

• rally

  Etymology The word rally comes from the Old French word rallier which means to gath

• taunt

  Etymology The word taunt comes from the Middle English tanten or tanten meaning

• dire

  Dire Etymology Middle English from Old French dire from the Latin dicere to say to

• ride

  Etymology The word ride comes from the Old English word rīdan which means to go on

• mock

  Etymology The word mock originates from the Middle English term mokken which means