figurative (chiefly with reference to the crucifixion of Jesus). Cf. cross, n. 10a.

figurative (or in figurative context): Anything that causes pain, grief, or trouble; in various metaphors, similes, and proverbial expressions, as a…

figurative. A thing that causes annoyance, irritation, or torment; a ‘thorn in the flesh’. Obsolete.

Something which causes acute physical or mental suffering. Also: the result of this; intense pain or anguish.

A person who torments or harasses others.

The action of goad, v. 1; the causing of annoyance, anxiety, offence, or pain to a person; the driving of a person to or into a particular action…

An act of tweaking or pinching; a tweak or pinch. Also figurative. Obsolete.

figurative and in figurative contexts. A thing which or (occasionally) person who causes annoyance, anxiety, offence, or pain; an insult, an…

One who or that which persistently inflicts intense pain, suffering, vexation, or annoyance.

figurative. An act whereby the feelings are deeply wounded, as a sarcasm, an act of unkindness, etc.; a severe disaster or misfortune; a blow, shock.

Something that stings or smarts; e.g. a sharp blow, or the hand that delivers it; something that causes sharp distress, a pungent speech or…

Something that inflicts torture or punishment; a scourge. Obsolete.

transferred. A cause of severe pain or anguish. (In quot. 1859 humorous.)

Something which causes a wound (literal or figurative).

The edge of a knife; also transferred, anything keenly cutting. Also attributive = knife-edged adj. at derivatives.

Originally and chiefly North American. In extended use: a persistent tormentor; a long-standing rival, an arch-enemy.