to tease or torment by offering something desirable but keeping it out of reach
example
The aroma of freshly baked cookies would tantalize the children as they waited impatiently for dessert.
synonyms
teasetormententice
word origin — The word 'tantalize' originates from the name Tantalus, a figure in Greek mythology who was punished by being made to stand in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree, always tantalized by sweet fruit and cool water that remained just out of reach.
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 275
Set 275 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: tantalize, habituate, subsume, sequester, feign. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
tantalize · verb/ˈtæn.tə.laɪz/
to tease or torment by offering something desirable but keeping it out of reach
The aroma of freshly baked cookies would tantalize the children as they waited impatiently for dessert.
Synonyms: tease, torment, entice
Origin: The word 'tantalize' originates from the name Tantalus, a figure in Greek mythology who was punished by being made to stand in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree, always tantalized by sweet fruit and cool water that remained just out of reach.
habituate · verb/həˈbɪtʃ.u.eɪt/
to become accustomed to a stimulus after prolonged exposure
Over time, the puppy began to habituate to the sounds of the city, no longer reacting to the honking cars and bustling crowds.
Synonyms: acclimatize, familiarize, desensitize
Origin: from Latin 'habituare', meaning 'to make accustomed or familiar', from 'habitus', meaning 'condition or state'.
subsume · verb/səbˈsum/
to include or absorb something within a larger category or framework
In the new organizational structure, all departments will be subsumed under a central management system to improve efficiency.
Synonyms: include, encompass, incorporate
Origin: The word 'subsume' originates from the Latin 'subsumere', which means 'to take up under'. It is composed of 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'sumere' meaning 'to take'.
sequester · verb/sɪˈkwɛstər/
to isolate or remove from contact with others
The judge decided to sequester the jury to prevent them from being influenced by outside opinions during the trial.
Synonyms: isolate, segregate, remove
Origin: from Middle English 'sequester', from Latin 'sequestrare', meaning 'to place in safety or custody'
feign · verb/feɪn/
to pretend to be affected by a feeling, state, or injury
She tried to feign interest in the conversation, but her mind was elsewhere.
Synonyms: pretend, simulate, affect
Origin: Middle English 'feinen,' from Old French 'feindre,' from Latin 'fingere' meaning 'to shape, to form, to feign'