pique

offense, resentment, umbrage, pique, dudgeon, huff mean an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity. offense implies hurt displeasure.

• • takes deep offense at racial slurs

resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

• • harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

• • took umbrage at the offer of advice

pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

• • in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

• • stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

• • in a huff he slammed the door

provoke, excite, stimulate, pique, quicken mean to arouse as if by pricking. provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

• • my stories usually provoke laughter

excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

• • news that excited anger and frustration

stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

• • stimulating conversation

pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

• • that remark piqued my interest

quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

• • the high salary quickened her desire to have the job