pique
UK[piːk]US[piːk]
v
to cause a feeling of interest or curiosity
v
to cause a feeling of irritation or resentment
n
a feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, especially to one's pride
Etymology
the word 'pique' entered english in the late 16th century from the french verb 'piquer', meaning 'to prick, sting, or irritate'. this french term is believed to be of imitative origin, possibly echoing the short, sharp sound or sensation of a prick. the semantic development from a physical prick to a metaphorical sting to one's pride or curiosity is a classic example of meaning evolution. the modern english senses of arousing curiosity and provoking resentment both retain this core idea of a sharp, stimulating, or irritating prod.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from french. it cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller morphemes based on its current english spelling.
Examples
the mysterious headline was designed to pique the reader's interest.
he was piqued by the suggestion that he was not up to the task.
she left the meeting in a fit of pique after her idea was dismissed.