Lunacy in Irish (Gealtacht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for lunacy?

The Irish for lunacy is gealtacht (pronounced “GYAL-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean wildness.

Q: Does gealtacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gealtacht can mean lunacy or wildness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “lunacy” in Irish

Irish:: gealtacht
English:: lunacy, wildness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “GYAL-tukht” /ˈɟal̪ˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: gealtachta, na gealtachta (e.g. comharthaí gealtachta, signs of madness)

What does “gealtacht” mean?

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

lunacy: The state of being mad or insane.Also: insanity, madness, craziness.

1 other meaning: wildness

2wildness: Wild, frantic behaviour or panic, as of a person or animal gone wild.Also: panic, frenzy.

“Gealtacht” with the article

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

an ghealtacht

the lunacy

Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

“Gealtacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gealtacht, the Irish word for lunacy.

Is gealtacht cheart é sin a dhéanamh.

It's sheer madness to do that.

Chuaigh sé le gealtacht nuair a chuala sé an scéal.

He went mad when he heard the news.

Bhí an ghealtacht ag teacht air de réir a chéile.

Madness was gradually coming over him.

Bhí cuma na gealtachta ina shúile.

There was a look of madness in his eyes.

Tá an madra sin imithe le gealtacht ar fad.

That dog has gone completely mad.

Ní raibh ann ach gealtacht shamhraidh.

It was only a bit of summer madness.

Bhí na ba imithe le gealtacht leis an teas.

The cows had gone wild with the heat.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Lunacy in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for lunacy?

The Irish for lunacy is gealtacht (pronounced “GYAL-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean wildness.

How do you pronounce gealtacht in Irish?

Gealtacht is said like “GYAL-tukht” (IPA /ˈɟal̪ˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does gealtacht have a plural?

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

Does gealtacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gealtacht can mean lunacy or wildness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gealtacht change to ghealtacht or ngealtacht?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gealtacht becomes mo ghealtacht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngealtacht (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'gealtacht' and 'gealt'?

'Gealt' is a person, a lunatic or madman, while 'gealtacht' is the state, madness or lunacy.

How do I say someone went crazy?

Use 'chuaigh sé ar gealtacht', literally 'he went into madness'; 'chuaigh sé le báiní' is similar.

Lunacy in Irish (Gealtacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage