barb vs modify

barb is a noun but modify is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
barb	Yes	No	Yes	No
modify	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, modify is a hypernym of barb; that is, modify is a word with a broader meaning than barb:

Other hypernyms of barb include alter, change.

barb (noun)	modify (noun)
one of the parallel filaments projecting from the main shaft of a feather
a subsidiary point facing opposite from the main point that makes an arrowhead or spear hard to remove
the pointed part of barbed wire
an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect

barb (verb)	modify (verb)
provide with barbs	make less severe or harsh or extreme
	add a modifier to a constituent
	cause to change; make different; cause a transformation