HeyRua Get the app

Oppression in Irish (Géarsmacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘géarsmacht’ also means: strict discipline

The Irish for oppression is géarsmacht, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “oppression” in Irish

Irish:
géarsmacht
English:
oppression, strict discipline
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“GAYR-smakht”  /ˈɟeːɾˠsˠmˠaxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
géarsmachta, an ghéarsmachta (e.g. deireadh an ghéarsmachta, the end of the oppression)

What does “géarsmacht” mean?

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

oppression
Harsh, severe control or rule imposed on people.Also: tyranny, harsh rule, repression.
1 other meaning: strict discipline
2strict discipline
Very strict or severe discipline or control over someone.Also: severe discipline, harsh control, rigour.

“Géarsmacht” with the article

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

an géarsmacht
the oppression
No change after an

“Géarsmacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using géarsmacht, the Irish word for oppression.

Bhí an pobal faoi ghéarsmacht ar feadh na mblianta.
The people were under oppression for years.
Níor ghlac siad leis an ngéarsmacht a thuilleadh.
They would no longer accept the tyranny.
Throid siad go cróga in aghaidh géarsmachta.
They fought bravely against oppression.
Choinnigh an múinteoir géarsmacht ar an rang.
The teacher kept strict discipline in the class.
Tháinig deireadh an ghéarsmachta sa deireadh.
The tyranny finally came to an end.
Is cuimhin liom géarsmacht na scoile sin go maith.
I remember the harsh discipline of that school well.
D'fhulaing na daoine go mór faoin ngéarsmacht.
The people suffered greatly under the oppression.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Oppression in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for oppression?

The Irish for oppression is géarsmacht (pronounced “GAYR-smakht”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean strict discipline.

How do you pronounce géarsmacht in Irish?

Géarsmacht is said like “GAYR-smakht” (IPA /ˈɟeːɾˠsˠmˠaxt̪ˠ/).

Does géarsmacht have a plural?

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

Does géarsmacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Géarsmacht can mean oppression or strict discipline, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does géarsmacht change to ghéarsmacht or ngéarsmacht?

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

How is 'géarsmacht' different from 'smacht'?

'Smacht' is ordinary control or discipline, while 'géarsmacht' (géar, sharp or severe, plus smacht) means harsh discipline or oppression. Another common expression for oppression is 'cos ar bolg'.

Learn Irish by
actually speaking it

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

7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

The HeyRua app home screen