Word of the Day : June 16, 2018

tantalize \TAN-tuh-lyze\ verb

Definition

: to tease or torment by or as if by presenting something desirable to the view but continually keeping it out of reach

Did You Know?

Pity poor King Tantalus of Lydia. The mythic monarch offended the ancient Greek gods. As punishment, according to Homer's Odyssey, he was plunged up to his chin in water in Hades, where he had to stand beneath overhanging boughs of a tree heavily laden with ripe, juicy fruit. But though he was always hungry and thirsty, Tantalus could neither drink the water nor eat the fruit. Anytime he moved to get them, they would retreat from his reach. Our word tantalize is taken from the name of the eternally tormented king.

Build your vocabulary! Get Word of the Day in your inbox every day.

Test Your Vocabulary



  Name More Food!








    Name that Fruit!




                                  pomegranate
                                  pomelo
                                  lingonberry
                                  jackfruit








    Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
    TAKE THE QUIZ






    Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
    TAKE THE QUIZ

Aired June 16, 2018

All Merriam-Webster content is available at www.merriam-webster.com