pique

¹pique

noun \ˈpēk\

Definition of PIQUE

: a transient feeling of wounded vanity : resentment <a fit of pique>

Examples of PIQUE

1. After a moment of pique, the senator responded calmly to his accusers.
2. He slammed the door in a fit of pique.
3. And yet the democracy flourishing in Taiwan has been greeted in other parts of the Chinese-speaking world with a certain pique, and even with hostility. —Ian Buruma, New Republic, 3 Apr. 2000
4. … when a beast that weighs 1,200 pounds goes crazy with some kind of stupid pique or jealousy in a room not much bigger than the handicapped stall in the Denver airport men's room, bad things will happen … —Hunter S. Thompson, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 1994
5. He hit balls toward the umpire's chair and out of the stadium: he spat water toward the umpire on changeovers; and in still greater fits of pique, he broke three rackets. —Jamie Diaz, Sports Illustrated, 2 Mar. 1987

Origin of PIQUE

(see ²pique)

First Known Use: 1592

Related to PIQUE

Synonyms: dudgeon, huff, miff, offense (or offence), peeve, resentment, umbrage

Related Words: aggravation, anger, annoyance, bother, botheration, discomfort, exasperation, frustration, grief, irritation, vexation; agitation, angriness, displeasure, distress, disturbance, indignation, irateness, ire, outrage, perturbation, upset; dander, temper; fit, pet, pouts, sulk(s), tantrum, tizzy; affront, barb, brickbat, dig, indignity, insult, put-down, slap, slight, slur

Near Antonyms: satisfaction; appeasement, mollification, pacification; contentment, delight, gratification, happiness, pleasure

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See Synonym Discussion at offense

Rhymes with PIQUE

beak, bleak, cheek, chic, cleek, clique, creak, creek, Creek, eke, flic, freak, geek, gleek, Greek, keek, leak, leek, meek, peak, peek, peke, pic, reek, screak, seek, sheikh, shriek, sic, Sikh, sleek, sneak, speak, squeak, steek, streak, streek, teak, tweak, weak, week