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Constipation in Irish (Iatacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘iatacht’ also means: closeness

The Irish for constipation is iatacht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “constipation” in Irish

Irish:
iatacht
English:
constipation, closeness
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“EE-uh-tukht”  /ˈiət̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
iatachta, na hiatachta (e.g. cógas iatachta, medicine for constipation)

What does “iatacht” mean?

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

constipation
A condition in which a person finds it difficult to empty the bowels.Also: costiveness, being bound up.
1 other meaning: closeness
2closeness
The state of being closed or shut in, also of being close or reserved in manner.Also: closedness, reticence.

“Iatacht” with the article

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

an iatacht
the constipation
No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an

“Iatacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using iatacht, the Irish word for constipation.

Tá iatacht ar an leanbh le dhá lá.
The baby has been constipated for two days.
Is minic a thagann an iatacht ó easpa uisce.
Constipation often comes from a lack of water.
Thug an dochtúir leigheas dom don iatacht.
The doctor gave me a cure for the constipation.
Cuidíonn torthaí le hiatacht a sheachaint.
Fruit helps to avoid constipation.
Bhí comharthaí iatachta air ar feadh seachtaine.
He had signs of constipation for a week.
Is féidir le roinnt táibléad iatacht a chur ort.
Some tablets can make you constipated.
Ní raibh iatacht riamh orm go dtí anois.
I never had constipation until now.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Constipation in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for constipation?

The Irish for constipation is iatacht (pronounced “EE-uh-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean closeness.

How do you pronounce iatacht in Irish?

Iatacht is said like “EE-uh-tukht” (IPA /ˈiət̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does iatacht have a plural?

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

Does iatacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Iatacht can mean constipation or closeness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

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

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an iatacht (the constipation), a hiatacht (her constipation), a n-iatacht (their constipation).

How do you say 'I am constipated' in Irish?

Use the 'ar' construction: 'Tá iatacht orm', literally 'constipation is on me'.

What is the opposite of 'iatacht'?

The opposite condition, diarrhoea, is 'buinneach', as in 'Tá buinneach orm'.

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