Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Tantalize \Tan"ta*lize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Tantalized}; p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Tantalizing}.] [From {Tantalus}: cf. F.
   tantaliser.]
   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
         tantalized thy life.                     --Dryden.

   Syn: To tease; vex; irritate; provoke.

   Usage: {Tantalize}, {Disappoint}. To disappoint is literally
          to do away with what was (or was taken to be)
          appointed; hence the peculiar pain from hopes thus
          dashed to the ground. To tantalize, a much stronger
          term, describes a most distressing form of
          disappointment, as in the case of Tantalus, the
          Phrygian king. To tantalize is to visit with the
          bitterest disappointment -- to torment by exciting
          hopes or expectations which can never be realized.

Source : WordNet®

tantalizing
     adj 1: arousing desire or expectation for something unattainable or
            mockingly out of reach; "a tantalizing taste of
            success" [syn: {tantalising}]
     2: very pleasantly inviting; "a tantalizing aroma"; "a tempting
        repast" [syn: {tantalising}, {tempting}]