pique
v.
"to excite to anger," 1670s, from French piquer "to prick, sting" (see pike, n.2). Softened meaning "to stimulate, excite" is from 1690s. Related: Piqued; piquing.
n.
1530s, "fit of ill feeling," from Middle French pique "a prick, sting, irritation," noun of action from piquer (see pike, n.2).