What does it mean to 'pique'?

To 'pique' means to stimulate curiosity or interest, which often can result in excitement or irritation depending on the context. This term is commonly used when something grabs someone’s attention in a way that provokes thought or feelings. For example, when a new product or idea is introduced, it can pique people's interest, causing them to want to learn more.

In this question, the correct choice aligns with the primary understanding of 'pique' as it captures both the emotional response that can arise from a heightened state of curiosity or irritation. This dual meaning reflects the various contexts in which the term might be appropriately applied, such as in psychology or marketing.

The other options do not convey the essence of the term: calming down suggests a reduction in emotional response, ignoring implies a total lack of engagement, and enhancing indicates improvement without the sense of provocation or excitement. As such, they do not accurately represent the meaning of 'pique.'