crown of thorns

Noun (3)

1. any affliction that causes great suffering“that is his cross to bear”“he bears his afflictions like a crown of thorns”Synonyms: crosscrown of thorns
2. somewhat climbing bushy spurge of Madagascar having long woody spiny stems with few leaves and flowers with scarlet bractsSynonyms: crown of thornsChrist thornChrist plantEuphorbia milii
3. a mock crown made of thorn branches that Roman soldiers placed on Jesus before the CrucifixionSynonyms: crown of thorns