pique
1[ peek ]
/ pik /
verb (used with object), piqued, piqu·ing.
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.
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What’s The Difference Between Piqued, Peeked, And Peaked?When do you use piqued? The word set we’re examining today can send writers into a spiral of uncertainty when it comes to word choice, particularly in the context of one expression: piqued my interest, peaked my interest, or peeked my interest? The answer is piqued—and here’s why. Pique means “to excite (interest, curiosity, etc.),” as in “The suspenseful movie trailer piqued my curiosity.” The term also …
RELATED WORDS
annoy, ignite, irk, displease, excite, irritate, gall, rile, arouse, incense, whet, offend, kindle, stimulate, galvanize, move, sting, mortify, quicken, motivate
Nearby words
Origin of pique
1Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for piqued
pique
1/ (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
pique
2/ (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
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
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