Thorn
Masculine given name
A thorn is a sharp, pointed projection on a plant stem—a defense against animals that might eat it.
Roses have thorns; so do hawthorns and blackberries.
Figuratively, a thorn is a persistent source of irritation: a thorn in my side.
The phrase suggests something that can't easily be removed or ignored.
Thorny problems are difficult and prickly to handle.
Tiny sharp point
- spineColumn of vertebrae
- barbBackward-pointing spike
- brambleThorny wild shrub
- briarThorny shrub or bush
rose · thistle · blackberry · hawthorn · acacia · bougainvillea · cactus · bush
Protection against harm
- deterrentThing that discourages action
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- armorProtective combat covering
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
guard · protection · warning · predator · survival · adaptation · evolution · herbivore
Mild anger or inflammation
- nuisanceCause of aggravation
- annoyanceState of being bothered
- botherTo annoy or disturb
- vexationFrustrated annoyance
aggravation · problem · hindrance · obstacle · burden · affliction · torment · discomfort
Sovereign's ornamental headpiece
- crucifixionExecution by cross
- sufferingSustained experience of distress
- ChristThe anointed savior
- JesusChristian faith's divine son
Golgotha · passion · martyrdom · sacrifice · mock · persecution · agony · blood
Of ancient carved letters
- Anglo-SaxonPre-Conquest British Germanic peoples
- alphabetLanguage's letter system
- characterNature, symbol, or role
- scriptWritten words for performance
phoneme · Icelandic · typography · linguistic · medieval · manuscript · glyph · symbol
prickle
Tiny sharp point
briar · rose · thistle · blackberry · hawthorn · acacia · bougainvillea · cactus · bush · hedge
defense
Protection against harm
- deterrentThing that discourages action
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- armorProtective combat covering
shield · guard · protection · warning · predator · survival · adaptation · evolution · herbivore · grazing
irritation
Mild anger or inflammation
vexation · aggravation · problem · hindrance · obstacle · burden · affliction · torment · discomfort · pest
crown
Sovereign's ornamental headpiece
- crucifixionExecution by cross
- sufferingSustained experience of distress
- ChristThe anointed savior
Jesus · Golgotha · passion · martyrdom · sacrifice · mock · persecution · agony · blood · piercing
runic
Of ancient carved letters
- Anglo-SaxonPre-Conquest British Germanic peoples
- alphabetLanguage's letter system
- characterNature, symbol, or role
script · phoneme · Icelandic · typography · linguistic · medieval · manuscript · glyph · symbol · Germanic
- thorny issues
- crown of thornsBraided barbed headpiece
- thorn in someone's sidePersistent source of irritation
- thorn in side
- thorn bushWoody plant bearing spines
- thorn in the fleshPersistent source of irritation
thorns, thorny, thorniness, thornless, thorned, thornlike, thornbush