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