荆棘在英语中叫做 "thorn"，它是指一种带有尖刺的植物。它的来源可能源于古英语单词 "þorn"，该单词源自古代北欧语 "þorn"，意思是刺。

例句：

The rose bush was covered in thorns, making it difficult to pick the flowers.（玫瑰丛上长满了荆棘，很难摘到花。）

The bramble bushes have sharp thorns, so be careful not to get scratched when you're picking berries.（荆棘灌木上有尖锐的刺，所以采摘浆果时要小心不要被刺伤。）