Thorny
/ˈθɔːrni/noun
Covered with or having many thorns; prickly.
Did you know?In ancient folklore, thorns were often associated with protection, but also with suffering, as seen in the crown of thorns worn by Christ — a dual symbol of pain and redemption.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰer-
“to hold, support, or sustain, often in a sharp or prickly manner.”
Old English
Old English
þorn
“a thorn or sharp point, symbolizing danger or protection.”
Old Norse
Old Norse
þorn
“a thorn, also used in poetic metaphors for hardship.”
Middle English
Middle English
thorny
“covered with thorns; used metaphorically for something difficult.”
Modern English
English
thorny
“having many thorns; often used to describe complicated or painful situations.”