HeyRua Get the app

Fright in Irish (Scanradh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘scanradh’ also means: scattering

The Irish for fright is scanradh, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “fright” in Irish

Irish:
scanradh
English:
fright, scattering
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“SKAN-ruh”  /ˈskanˠɾˠə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
scanraidh, an scanraidh (e.g. aghaidh an scanraidh, the frightened face)

What does “scanradh” mean?

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

fright
A sudden feeling of fear or terror; it is also the verbal noun of the verb 'scanraigh' (frighten).Also: scare, terror, panic, frightening.
1 other meaning: scattering
2scattering
The act of scattering or dispersing something, such as animals scattered in panic.Also: dispersion, stampede.

Other Irish words for fright: eagla (fear), geit (start), scéin (fright), panaic (panic)

“Scanradh” with the article

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

an scanradh
the fright
No change after an

“Scanradh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using scanradh, the Irish word for fright.

Bhain an madra scanradh asam.
The dog gave me a fright.
Bhí scanradh orm sa dorchadas.
I was frightened in the dark.
Chuir an tintreach scanradh ar na páistí.
The lightning frightened the children.
Bhí sí bán le scanradh.
She was white with fright.
Níor imigh an scanradh go maidin.
The fright didn't go away until morning.
Bhí cuma an scanraidh ar a aghaidh.
He had a look of fright on his face.
Rith na caoirigh i scanradh.
The sheep ran in panic.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Fright in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for fright?

The Irish for fright is scanradh (pronounced “SKAN-ruh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean scattering.

How do you pronounce scanradh in Irish?

Scanradh is said like “SKAN-ruh” (IPA /ˈskanˠɾˠə/).

Does scanradh have a plural?

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

Does scanradh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Scanradh can mean fright or scattering, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How do I say 'I got a fright' in Irish?

Say 'Baineadh scanradh asam' or 'Bhí scanradh orm'; to frighten someone is 'scanradh a chur ar dhuine'.

Learn Irish by
actually speaking it

Learn everyday Irish words like scanradh through guided conversation with Rua.

7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

The HeyRua app home screen