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Consternation in Irish (Anbhá): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘anbhá’ also means: desperation

The Irish for consternation is anbhá, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “consternation” in Irish

Irish:
anbhá
English:
consternation, desperation
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“AN-uh-vaw”  /ˈanəwɑː/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
anbhá, an anbhá (e.g. ar bhruach an anbhá, on the verge of consternation)

What does “anbhá” mean?

“Anbhá” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

consternation
A sudden feeling of alarm, dismay or panic that leaves a person unable to think clearly.Also: dismay, panic, alarm, terror.
1 other meaning: desperation
2desperation
A state of great distress or anxiety in which a person feels at a loss.Also: distress, anguish.

“Anbhá” with the article

Here is anbhá after the article (an t-alt).

an t-anbhá
the consternation
Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

“Anbhá” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using anbhá, the Irish word for consternation.

Bhí anbhá orm nuair a chonaic mé an tine.
I panicked when I saw the fire.
Tháinig anbhá ar na daoine sa halla.
The people in the hall were seized with panic.
Ná bíodh anbhá ort, beidh gach rud ceart.
Don't be alarmed, everything will be fine.
Chuir an scéala anbhá ar a mháthair.
The news filled his mother with dismay.
Bhí sí in anbhá faoin scrúdú.
She was in a panic about the exam.
D'imigh an t-anbhá de nuair a tháinig an dochtúir.
His panic left him when the doctor arrived.
Chuir an timpiste anbhá ar gach duine.
The accident threw everyone into a panic.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Consternation in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for consternation?

The Irish for consternation is anbhá (pronounced “AN-uh-vaw”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean desperation.

How do you pronounce anbhá in Irish?

Anbhá is said like “AN-uh-vaw” (IPA /ˈanəwɑː/).

Does anbhá have a plural?

No plural form is given for anbhá in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does anbhá have more than one meaning?

Yes. Anbhá can mean consternation or desperation, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does anbhá sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-anbhá (the consternation), a hanbhá (her consternation), a n-anbhá (their consternation).

What is the difference between 'anbhá' and 'scaoll'?

Both can mean panic, but 'scaoll' stresses frightened flight or stampede, while 'anbhá' stresses consternation and distress. 'Bhí anbhá orm' means I was dismayed or panicked.

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