noun / verb
pique
PEEK/piːk/
A feeling of offended pride, or causing that feeling.
The artist turns away in pique after a dismissive gesture toward the sculpture.
Etymology
French piquer, “to prick or sting,” supplies the image of pride being stung. Pique is the irritation or resentment felt after that figurative wound.
In context
went on craning for Wen Xiu, which turned his feigned pique real What re you looking for I m telling you, don t set your mind on our Wen Xiu.
More examples
- The dismissive remark piqued her.
- She refused the invitation out of pique.
- His wounded pride showed in the pique of his reply.
Forms
pique · piques · piqued · piquing
Similar words
- resentment
- Resentment may persist over an injustice; pique often follows a slight to pride.
- irritation
- Irritation need not involve wounded pride, as pique usually does.