pique

¹

[ peek ]

verb (used with object)

, piqued, piqu·ing.

1. to affect with sharp irritation and resentment, especially by some wound to pride:

   She was greatly piqued when they refused her invitation.

   Synonyms: chafe, irritate, vex, nettle, sting, offend

   Antonyms: please

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

   Synonyms: affront

   Antonyms: compliment

3. to excite (interest, curiosity, etc.):

   Her curiosity was piqued by the gossip.

   Synonyms: goad, incite, prick, stir, stimulate

4. to arouse an emotion or provoke to action:

   to pique someone to answer a challenge.

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

verb (used without object)

, piqued, piqu·ing.

1. to arouse pique in someone:

   an action that piqued when it was meant to soothe.

noun

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

   to be in a pique.

2. Obsolete. a state of irritated feeling between persons.

pique

²

[ peek ]

noun

, Piquet.

1. pic ².

piqué

³

[ pi-key, pee-; French pee-key ]

noun

, plural pi·qués [pi-, keyz, pee-, pee-, key]

1. a fabric of cotton, spun rayon, or silk, woven lengthwise with raised cords.
2. Ballet. a step in which the dancer steps onto the tip of the toe without bending the knee.
3. ornamentation by means of punched or stippled patterns, sometimes inlaid with metal, ivory, tortoise shell, etc.

adjective

1. (of glove seams and gloves) stitched through lapping edges.
2. decorated with inlay:

   a piqué box.

piqué

¹

/ ˈpiːkeɪ /

noun

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

pique

²

/ piːk /

noun

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

verb

1. to cause to feel resentment or irritation
2. to excite or arouse
3. foll byon or upon to pride or congratulate (oneself)

pique

³

/ piːk /

noun

1. 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

1. to score a pique (against)

Word History and Origins

Origin of pique¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French pique (noun), piquer (verb), from Vulgar Latin piccare (unrecorded) “to pick”; pick ¹, pike ²

Origin of pique²

First recorded in 1830–40; from French, past participle of piquer “to quilt, prick”; pique ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of pique¹

C19: from French piqué pricked, from piquer to prick

Origin of pique²

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

Origin of pique³

C17: from French pic, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

She adds that "the vampire's always been linked very strongly with disease, with contagion," adding that if we look back in history we can see that our interest in the immortal monster seems to pique around times of mass disease.

From BBC

I’ve seen him reference his natal chart in interviews before, so in anticipation of our meeting — and knowing the museum exhibition might pique his interest — I research my own.

From Los Angeles Times

He grew exasperated when told about another resident’s pique.

From Los Angeles Times

They always tried to encourage their son’s curiosity — reading every night, piano lessons, teaching Greek mythology, anything that might pique his interest.

From Los Angeles Times

In a revolting pique of petty, confirming that he would destroy America for his own personal gain, Trump insulted American hostages’ release from Russia, praising Putin instead.

From Salon

Related Words

• annoyance
• displeasure
• exasperation
• irritation