thorn
[noun]
Synonyms: prickle, barb, spike, spine

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

thorn /θɔːn $ θɔːrn/ noun
[Language: Old English]

1. [countable] a sharp point that grows on the stem of a plant such as a rose

2. [uncountable and countable] a bush or tree that has thorns:
a long, low hedge of thorns

3. a thorn in sb’s side someone or something that annoys you or causes problems for a long period of time:
He’s been a thorn in the side of the party leadership for years.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲