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Control in Irish (Lámhsmacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘lámhsmacht’ also means: discipline

The Irish for control is lámhsmacht, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “control” in Irish

Irish:
lámhsmacht
English:
control, discipline
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“LAWV-smakht”  /ˈlˠɑːwˌsˠmˠaxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
lámhsmachta, an lámhsmachta (e.g. easpa lámhsmachta, lack of control)

What does “lámhsmacht” mean?

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

control
Firm physical or practical control over something, having it well in hand.Also: command, grip, mastery.
1 other meaning: discipline
2discipline
Authority or discipline kept over people, such as a class or a crowd.Also: authority, firm hand.

Other Irish words for control: smacht (control), rialú (control)

“Lámhsmacht” with the article

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

an lámhsmacht
the control
No change after an

“Lámhsmacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using lámhsmacht, the Irish word for control.

Bhí lámhsmacht mhaith ag an múinteoir ar an rang.
The teacher had good control of the class.
Chaill sé lámhsmacht ar an gcarr ar an mbóthar fliuch.
He lost control of the car on the wet road.
Níl aon lámhsmacht aici ar na páistí.
She has no control over the children.
Níl lámhsmacht ar bith ag an bpríomhoide ar an scoil.
The principal has no control over the school.
Ba léir easpa lámhsmachta sa scoil sin.
A lack of discipline was obvious in that school.
Choinnigh an garda lámhsmacht ar an slua.
The guard kept the crowd under control.
Coinníonn sí lámhsmacht láidir ar a rang.
She keeps firm control of her class.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Control in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for control?

The Irish for control is lámhsmacht (pronounced “LAWV-smakht”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean discipline.

How do you pronounce lámhsmacht in Irish?

Lámhsmacht is said like “LAWV-smakht” (IPA /ˈlˠɑːwˌsˠmˠaxt̪ˠ/).

Does lámhsmacht have a plural?

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

Does lámhsmacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Lámhsmacht can mean control or discipline, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between lámhsmacht and smacht?

Smacht is the general word for control or discipline, while lámhsmacht stresses firm, hands-on control, as in 'lámhsmacht a bheith agat ar rud'.

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