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Definition of pique - 8 dictionary results

pique

1  [peek] verb, piqued, piqu⋅ing, noun
Use pique in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to affect with sharp irritation and resentment, esp. by some wound to pride: She was greatly piqued when they refused her invitation.
2. to wound (the pride, vanity, etc.).
3. to excite (interest, curiosity, etc.): Her curiosity was piqued by the gossip.
4. to arouse an emotion or provoke to action: to pique someone to answer a challenge.
5. Archaic. to pride (oneself) (usually fol. by on or upon).
–verb (used without object)
6. to arouse pique in someone: an action that piqued when it was meant to soothe.
–noun
7. a feeling of irritation or resentment, as from a wound to pride or self-esteem: to be in a pique.
8. Obsolete. a state of irritated feeling between persons.
Origin:
1525–35; < MF pique (n.), piquer (v.) < VL *piccare to pick 1 ; see pickax, pike 2 , piqué

Synonyms:
1. offend, sting, nettle, vex, irritate, chafe. 2. affront. 3. stimulate, stir, prick, incite, goad.

Antonyms:
1. please. 2. compliment.

pique

2  [peek]
–noun Piquet.
pic 2 .

pi⋅que

3  [pi-key, pee-]
–noun, adjective
piqué.

pi⋅qué

  [pi-key, pee-; Fr. pee-key] noun, plural -qués  [-keyz; Fr. -key] for 2, adjective
–noun
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
4. (of glove seams and gloves) stitched through lapping edges.
5. decorated with inlay: a piqué box.
Also, pique.

Origin:
1830–40; < F, ptp. of piquer to quilt, prick; see pique 1

pic

2  [peek]
–noun Piquet.
1. the scoring of 30 points in the declaration of hands and in the play before one's opponent scores a point.
2. the bonus of 30 points won for so scoring.
Also, pique.
Compare repic.

Origin:
< F: lit., prick
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To pique
pique   (pēk)   
n.  A state of vexation caused by a perceived slight or indignity; a feeling of wounded pride.
tr.v.   piqued, piqu·ing, piques

  1. To cause to feel resentment or indignation.

  2. To provoke; arouse: The portrait piqued her curiosity.

  3. To pride (oneself): He piqued himself on his stylish attire.


[French, a prick, irritation, from Old French, from piquer, to prick, from Vulgar Latin *piccāre, ultimately of imitative origin.]
pi·qué   (pĭ-kā', pē-)   
n.  A tightly woven fabric with various raised patterns, produced especially by a double warp.

[French, past participle of piquer, to quilt, from Old French, to backstitch, prick; see pique.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

pique  (n.)
1532, "fit of ill feeling," from M.Fr. pique "a prick, sting, irritation," from O.Fr. (see pike (2)). The verb, in the sense of "to excite to anger" is attested from 1671.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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