What term describes the action of causing someone to feel resentment or indignation?

The term that best describes the action of causing someone to feel resentment or indignation is "pique." To pique someone’s interest or emotions typically involves igniting a strong reaction, often intertwined with feelings of frustration or irritation. This word captures the sense of stirring up an emotional response, particularly one that involves feelings of annoyance or displeasure, which aligns closely with resentment and indignation.

While "incite," "provoke," and "agitate" can also involve arousing emotions or reactions, they do not specifically convey the nuanced feelings of resentment or indignation that "pique" captures in this context. "Provoke," for instance, often suggests incurring anger or action, while "agitate" implies stirring up unrest or excitement. "Incite" leans towards proactively encouraging behavior or actions, rather than focusing on the emotional response. Therefore, "pique" is the most fitting term for describing the evocation of feelings of resentment or indignation.