pique

/ˈpēk/

French piquer, literally, to prick

verb

  1. to excite or arouse especially by a provocation, challenge, or rebuff

  2. pride

  3. to arouse anger or resentment in : irritate

sly remarks to pique their curiosity

he piques himself on his skill as a cook

provoke excite stimulate pique quicken mean to arouse as if by pricking. provoke directs attention to the response called forth. excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

noun

  1. a transient feeling of wounded vanity : resentment

a fit of 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. resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

noun

  1. a durable ribbed clothing fabric of cotton, rayon, or silk

  2. decoration of a tortoiseshell or ivory object with inlaid fragments of gold or silver