Main Entry: ²pique

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): piqued; piqu·ing

Etymology: French piquer, literally, to prick — more at pike

Date: 1669

1 : to arouse anger or resentment in : irritate <what piques 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 piques himself on his skill as a cook>

synonyms see provoke