Standard Lemma guide

tantalism

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈtæntəlɪzəm/

1

noun

Meaning 1

A punishment like that of the mythological Tantalus; a teasing or tormenting by the hope or near approach of good which is not attainable.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Examples

  • January 1811, Josiah Quincy, Amendment to the Constitution Is not such a provision like tantalism to this people?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

tantalize + -ism.