pique

/piːk/
noun
  1. A feeling of annoyance or resentment, especially because of hurt pride.
    • His pique was obvious when he didn't get the promotion he expected.
    • A small comment can sometimes cause pique if it touches a sensitive spot.
    • She left the party in a fit of pique after being ignored.
Antonyms
verb
  1. To arouse or stimulate curiosity or interest.
    • A good mystery novel will pique your interest from the first page.
    • The teacher used a surprising fact to pique the students' attention.
    • The mysterious letter piqued her curiosity immediately.
  2. To feel or show annoyance or resentment, especially because of hurt pride.
    • He piqued at being left out of the decision-making process.
    • They piqued over the unfair treatment they received.
    • She piqued when her suggestion was dismissed without discussion.
What does "pique" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean