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pique Definition

pique (pēk)

noun

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

Etymology: Fr < piquer: see piquant

transitive verb piqued, piqu·ing

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

Etymology: Fr piquer

pique Idioms

pique oneself on

or pique oneself upon

to be proud of

pique Synonyms

pique

n.

umbrage, resentment, offense; see anger, annoyance 1, offense. See syn. study at offense.

pique Synonyms

pique

v.

  1. To anger

    irritate, fret, nettle; see anger 1, bother 2.

  2. To excite

    arouse, rouse, stimulate; see excite 1, provoke 2. See syn. study at provoke.

pique Usage Examples

Object

  • curiosity: I wanted a name that would pique the curiosity of my perspective audience.
  • interest: Phillips piques the interest of the reader with turns in phrasing rather than systematic argument.
  • brain: Logic puzzle sudoku piques brains worldwide Crossword lovers, move over.
  • reader: Perhaps tho, as Di Filippo wishes, they will pique readers ' curiosity about Schorr's work.

Noun phrase with adjective complement

  • worldwide: Logic puzzle sudoku piques brains worldwide Crossword lovers, move over.

Adjective modifier

  • personal: More is at stake than just personal pique from Jacques Chirac.
  • decent: Invention of whiteness to the people a decent pique.

Modifies a noun

  • assiette: Appropriately enough, this pique assiette mosaic gallery has been broken up into five parts.
  • mosaic: Appropriately enough, this pique assiette mosaic gallery has been broken up into five parts.
  • polo: For example, an Umbro classic pique polo shirt is just £ 7.97 compared to an RRP of £ 15.99.
  • shirt: For example, an Umbro classic pique polo shirt is just £ 7.97 compared to an RRP of £ 15.99.
  • fabric: Made of beautiful white cotton pique fabric with a delicate all over white moon and stars print.

Modifying Another Word

  • first: It was there that Nastase's interest in the sport was first piqued.
  • perhaps: Occasionally I've dropped the name of Owen Barfield in NETFUTURE, perhaps piquing the interest of some of you.
  • still: The injustice of this still piques me, because I'd planned the whole thing with military precision.

Noun used with modifier

  • minister: Foreign minister pique santa monica from nine holes r this old.

Browse dictionary entries near pique

  1. piquant
  2. piquancy
  3. piqué
  4. pipy
  5. pipsqueak
  6. pipsissewa
  7. pippin
  8. pipkin
  9. pipit
  10. pipistrelle
  1. piqued
  2. piquet
  3. piracy
  4. Piraeus
  5. piragua
  6. Pirandello
  7. Piranesi
  8. piranha
  9. pirarucu
  10. pirate