prick vs pierce

prick is a noun but pierce is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
prick	Yes	No	Yes	No
pierce	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, pierce is a hypernym of prick; that is, pierce is a word with a broader meaning than prick:

As verbs, pierce is a hypernym of prick; that is, pierce is a word with a broader meaning than prick:

prick (noun)	pierce (noun)
the act of puncturing with a small point
obscene terms for penis
insulting terms of address for people who are stupid or irritating or ridiculous
a depression scratched or carved into a surface

prick (verb)	pierce (verb)
make a small hole into, as with a needle or a thorn	make a hole into
deliver a sting to	penetrate or cut through with a sharp instrument
stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick	cut or make a way through
to cause a sharp emotional pain	move or affect (a person's emotions or bodily feelings) deeply or sharply
to stick up	sound sharply or shrilly
cause a stinging pain
cause a prickling sensation