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Fear in Irish (Eagla): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘eagla’ also means: apprehension

The Irish for fear is eagla, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “fear” in Irish

Irish:
eagla
English:
fear, apprehension
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“AG-luh”  /ˈaɡlə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
eagla, na heagla (e.g. mothú na heagla, the feeling of fear)

What does “eagla” mean?

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

fear
The feeling of being afraid or frightened of something.Also: fright, dread, being afraid, scare.
1 other meaning: apprehension
2apprehension
Worry that something bad may happen, as in 'tá eagla orm go', I'm afraid that.Also: worry, concern.

Other Irish words for fear: faitíos (fear)

“Eagla” with the article

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

an eagla
the fear
No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an

“Eagla” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using eagla, the Irish word for fear.

An bhfuil eagla ort?
Are you afraid?
Tá eagla orm roimh uisce.
I'm scared of water.
Tháinig eagla uirthi nuair a chuala sí an torann.
She got frightened when she heard the noise.
Tá eagla orm go mbeidh sé déanach.
I'm afraid he'll be late.
Bhí sé ar crith le heagla.
He was shaking with fear.
Chuir an madra eagla ar na páistí.
The dog frightened the children.
Ar eagla na heagla, tabhair leat cóta.
Just in case, bring a coat.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Phrases with “eagla”

Fear in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for fear?

The Irish for fear is eagla (pronounced “AG-luh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean apprehension.

How do you pronounce eagla in Irish?

Eagla is said like “AG-luh” (IPA /ˈaɡlə/).

Does eagla have a plural?

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

Does eagla have more than one meaning?

Yes. Eagla can mean fear or apprehension, depending on context; the first is the most common.

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

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an eagla (the fear), a heagla (her fear), a n-eagla (their fear).

How do I say 'I am afraid' in Irish?

Irish puts the fear on the person: 'Tá eagla orm', literally 'fear is on me'. Use 'roimh' for the thing feared: 'Tá eagla orm roimh mhadraí'.

What does 'ar eagla na heagla' mean?

It means 'just in case' or 'to be on the safe side', as in 'Tóg scáth fearthainne ar eagla na heagla'.

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