glue:stick::thorns:

glue sticks...thorns prick

Is stick an action verb or a noun? Bush?

To find the relationship between "glue:stick" and "thorns:", we should first understand the relationship between the words in each pair individually.

In the pair "glue:stick," glue is a substance that acts as an adhesive, and a stick is an object that can be used as a tool or support. Glue is commonly applied to objects using a stick, hence the relationship between the two words.

Now let's look at "thorns." Thorns are sharp, pointed growths that typically appear on the stems or branches of some plants. Thorns are known for their ability to protect the plant from being eaten or touched, as they can cause injury or discomfort.

Based on these individual meanings, we can infer that the relationship between "thorns" and the missing term is likely one of functionality or purpose.

Considering this, one possible answer could be "prick:" Thorns, like prick, are designed to cause discomfort or injury to deter something/someone from coming into contact with them.

It's important to note that without further context or information, there can be multiple valid answers to this analogy. Therefore, it's helpful to carefully consider the subtle nuances of the words and the relationship between them to arrive at the most suitable answer.