Crossword Genius

Excite highest level in auditorium (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pique

'excite' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'highest level in auditorium' is the wordplay.
'highest level' becomes 'peak' (I've seen this in another clue).
'in auditorium' shows a homophone (sound like) (as the word might sound to an audience).
'peak' sounds like 'PIQUE'.

(Other definitions for pique that I've seen before include "Arouse" , "Dudgeon" , "Wound (pride); resentment" , "Stimulate (one's curiosity)" , "Resentful feeling" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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