Tantalize: Origin from Greek Myth of Tantalus

Tantalize derives from Tantalus, a figure in Greek mythology. Punished by the gods, he stood in a pool of water that receded when he drank, beneath fruit branches that withdrew when he reached. Thus, "tantalize" means to tease or tempt with something desirable but unattainable.

The myth also gave rise to "Tantalus' punishment" – eternal frustration of desire.