pique

[ peek ]

/ pik /

verb (used with object), piqued, piqu·ing.

to affect with sharp irritation and resentment, especially by some wound to pride: She was greatly piqued when they refused her invitation.

to wound (the pride, vanity, etc.).

to excite (interest, curiosity, etc.): Her curiosity was piqued by the gossip.

to arouse an emotion or provoke to action: to pique someone to answer a challenge.

Archaic. to pride (oneself) (usually followed by on or upon).

verb (used without object), piqued, piqu·ing.

to arouse pique in someone: an action that piqued when it was meant to soothe.

noun

a feeling of irritation or resentment, as from a wound to pride or self-esteem: to be in a pique.

Obsolete. a state of irritated feeling between persons.

QUIZZES

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PUNCTUATION QUIZ

Punctuation marks help make writing easy to read and understand. Some of the most important ones are the period (.), comma (,), question mark (?), and exclamation point (!). How well do you know how to use them? Find out in this quiz!

Question 1 of 10

Which punctuation mark is best for this sentence? "Can I watch a movie __"

comma (,)

period (.)

question mark (?)

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of pique

1525–35; < Middle French pique (noun), piquer (v.) < Vulgar Latin *piccare to pick¹; see pickax, pike², piqué

SYNONYMS FOR pique

1 offend, sting, nettle, vex, irritate, chafe.

2 affront.

3 stimulate, stir, prick, incite, goad.

SEE SYNONYMS FOR pique ON THESAURUS.COM

ANTONYMS FOR pique

1 please.

2 compliment.

SEE ANTONYMS FOR pique ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM pique

un·piqued, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH pique

peak peek pique piqué

Words nearby pique

pipsissewa, pipsqueak, pipy, piqua, piquant, pique, piquet, piquillo, piqué, pir, piracicaba

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for piqued

So your interest is piqued, but then how did you convince Marvel to hand you the keys?
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Filmmaker James Gunn on His Glorious Space Opera and Rise to the A-List|Marlow Stern|August 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Her curiosity was piqued, and she began a nearly decade-long critical review of the research on dietary fat.
Everything You Know About Fat Is Wrong|Daniela Drake|May 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
"Seventeen, sister," said Miss Phœbe, who piqued herself on knowing all about dear Mr. Gibson's domestic affairs.
Wives and Daughters|Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
The tone constituted a rebuff, and Rita's coquetry deserted her, leaving her mortified and piqued.
Dope|Sax Rohmer

He was a fine rider, and piqued himself on his abilities in this way.
Heads and Tales|Various
"Captain," said the agent, piqued at having his title by courtesy withheld.
Tom Cringle's Log|Michael Scott
Barbu and Crafleux piqued themselves on their gentlemanly manners.
Six Women and the Invasion|Gabrielle Yerta

British Dictionary definitions for piqued (1 of 3)

pique¹

/ (piːk) /

noun

a feeling of resentment or irritation, as from having one's pride wounded

verb piques, piquing or piqued (tr)

to cause to feel resentment or irritation

to excite or arouse

(foll by on or upon) to pride or congratulate (oneself)

Word Origin for pique

C16: from French, from piquer to prick, sting; see pick 1

British Dictionary definitions for piqued (2 of 3)

pique²

/ (piːk) piquet /

noun

a score of 30 points made by a player from a combination of cards held before play begins and from play while his opponent's score is nil

verb

to score a pique (against)

Word Origin for pique

C17: from French pic, of uncertain origin

British Dictionary definitions for piqued (3 of 3)

piqué

/ (ˈpiːkeɪ) /

noun

a close-textured fabric of cotton, silk, or spun rayon woven with lengthwise ribs

Word Origin for piqué

C19: from French piqué pricked, from piquer to prick

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

pique

verb (used with object), piqued, piqu·ing.

verb (used without object), piqued, piqu·ing.

noun

QUIZZES

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PUNCTUATION QUIZ

Origin of pique

SYNONYMS FOR pique

ANTONYMS FOR pique

OTHER WORDS FROM pique

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH pique

Words nearby pique

Words related to piqued

Example sentences from the Web for piqued

British Dictionary definitions for piqued (1 of 3)

noun

verb piques, piquing or piqued (tr)

Word Origin for pique

British Dictionary definitions for piqued (2 of 3)

noun

verb

Word Origin for pique

British Dictionary definitions for piqued (3 of 3)

noun

Word Origin for piqué