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pique

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Pique is defined as to arouse someone's interest, curiosity or resentment.

(verb)

An example of pique is an ad for a TV show that is intriguing and that makes people want to watch.

See pique in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

resentment at being slighted or disdained; ruffled pride
a fit of displeasure

Origin: Fr < piquer: see piquant

transitive verb piqued, piquing

to arouse resentment in, as by slighting; ruffle the pride of
to arouse; provoke

Origin: Fr piquer

See pique in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A state of vexation caused by a perceived slight or indignity; a feeling of wounded pride.

transitive verb piqued piqued, piqu·ing, piques

To cause to feel resentment or indignation.
To provoke; arouse: The portrait piqued her curiosity.
To pride (oneself): He piqued himself on his stylish attire.

Origin:

Origin: French, a prick, irritation

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from piquer, to prick

Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *piccāre

Origin: , ultimately of imitative origin

noun

A tightly woven fabric with various raised patterns, produced especially by a double warp.

Origin:

Origin: French

Origin: , past participle of piquer, to quilt

Origin: , from Old French, to backstitch, prick; see pique

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