Answer: piquing

AnswerCrossword Clue
PIQUINGArousing, as curiosity
piquingexcite or arouse especially by a provocation, challenge, or rebuff sly remarks to pique their curiosity
piquingPIQUE, to arouse anger or resentment
piquingirritated feeling
piquingto excite (interest, curiosity, etc.)
piquingto arouse resentment in
piquingide he piques himself on his skill as a cook
piquingto arouse anger or resentment in irritate what piques linguistic conservatives T. H. Middleton