pique
UK: piːk | US: piːk
n. a feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, especially to one's pride
vt. to stimulate interest or curiosity
vt. to provoke or irritate
The word "pique" entered English in the 16th century from the French piquer ("to prick, sting, or irritate"), derived from the Vulgar Latin piccare (related to piccus, "sharp point"). The sense of "irritation" reflects the metaphorical sting to one's pride, while the verb meaning "to stimulate" evolved from the idea of provoking a reaction, much like a sharp prod. The silent "e" is a vestige of its French origin.
Her sharp comment left him in a fit of pique.
The mysterious headline was designed to pique readers' curiosity.
He tends to pique easily when his ideas are dismissed.
The artist's bold style piqued the interest of collectors.
She hid her pique behind a polite smile.