n.
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: piqued ; piqu · ing
Etymology: French piquer, literally, to prick ― more at PIKE
Date: 1669
1 : to arouse anger or resentment in : IRRITATE <what pique s linguistic conservatives ― T. H. Middleton>
2 a : to excite or arouse especially by a provocation, challenge, or rebuff <sly remarks to pique their curiosity> b : PRIDE <he pique s himself on his skill as a cook>
synonyms see PROVOKE