(v. t.) To tease or torment by presenting something good but keeping it out of reach\; to tease; to torment.

affect the interest allure annoy appeal attract badger baffle bait balk be attractive becharm beckon bedevil beleaguer bewitch bilk captivate carry away cast down charm concern cross dash defeat defeat expectation disappoint disillusion dissatisfy draw on enamor endear engage enrapture excite excite interest fascinate fetch foil frustrate gnaw harass harry hold in thrall infatuate inflame with love interest invite involve in let down pester pique plague provoke seduce stimulate summon taunt tease tempt thwart tickle titillate torment torture vamp whet the appetite