HeyRuaHow to say “defender” in Irish
- Irish:
- cosantóir
- English:
- defender, defendant, back
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KUS-un-tor” /ˈkɔsˠən̪ˠt̪ˠoːɾʲ/
- Plural:
- cosantóirí (defenders)
- Genitive singular:
- cosantóra, an chosantóra (e.g. ainm an chosantóra, the defendant's name)
- Genitive plural:
- cosantóirí, na gcosantóirí (e.g. líne na gcosantóirí, the line of defenders)
What does “cosantóir” mean?
“Cosantóir” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- defender
- A person who defends or protects someone or something.Also: protector, guardian, champion.
2 other meanings: defendant or back
- 2defendant
- In law, the person against whom a case is brought in court.Also: accused, respondent.
- 3back
- In sport, a player whose job is to defend the goal, such as a back or full-back.Also: defender, full-back, defensive player.
Other Irish words for defender: cúlaí (back)
“Cosantóir” with the article
The plural of defender in Irish is cosantóirí. Here is cosantóir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cosantóir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cosantóir, the Irish word for defender.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Defender in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for defender?
The Irish for defender is cosantóir (pronounced “KUS-un-tor”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cosantóirí. Depending on context it can also mean defendant or back.
How do you pronounce cosantóir in Irish?
Cosantóir is said like “KUS-un-tor” (IPA /ˈkɔsˠən̪ˠt̪ˠoːɾʲ/).
What is the plural of defender in Irish?
The plural of cosantóir is cosantóirí; with the article, na cosantóirí means “the defenders”. The genitive plural is cosantóirí, as in líne na gcosantóirí (the line of defenders).
Does cosantóir have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cosantóir can mean defender, defendant or back, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cosantóir change to chosantóir or gcosantóir?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cosantóir becomes mo chosantóir (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcosantóir (eclipsis).
What is the opposite of cosantóir in a court case?
The person bringing the case is the gearánaí (plaintiff) or, in criminal cases, the ionchúisitheoir (prosecutor).
How do I say 'defence' as opposed to 'defender'?
The act or system of defending is cosaint, while the person is cosantóir.
