pique 1
/peek/ , v. , piqued, piquing , n.
v.t.
1. to affect with sharp irritation and resentment, esp. by some wound to pride: She was greatly piqued when they refused her invitation.
2. to wound (the pride, vanity, etc.).
3. to excite (interest, curiosity, etc.): Her curiosity was piqued by the gossip.
4. to arouse an emotion or provoke to action: to pique someone to answer a challenge.
5. Archaic. to pride (oneself) (usually fol. by on or upon ).
v.i.
6. to arouse pique in someone: an action that piqued when it was meant to soothe.
n.
7. a feeling of irritation or resentment, as from a wound to pride or self-esteem: to be in a pique.
8. Obs. a state of irritated feeling between persons.
[ 1525-35; pique (n.), piquer (v.) piccare to PICK 1 ; see PICKAX, PIKE 2 , PIQUÉ ]
Syn. 1. offend, sting, nettle, vex, irritate, chafe. 2. affront. 3. stimulate, stir, prick, incite, goad.
Ant. 1. please. 2. compliment.
pique 2
/peek/ , n. Piquet.
pic 2 .
pique 3
/pi kay", pee-/ , n. , adj.
piqué.