Rape in Irish (Éigniú): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for rape?

The Irish for rape is éigniú (pronounced “AYG-nyoo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean violation.

Q: Does éigniú have more than one meaning?

Yes. Éigniú can mean rape or violation, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “rape” in Irish

Irish:: éigniú
English:: rape, violation
Word type:: noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:: éignigh, to rape (ag éigniú, raping)
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “AYG-nyoo” /ˈeːɟɲuː/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: éignithe, an éignithe (e.g. íospartach éignithe, rape victim)

What does “éigniú” mean?

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

rape: The crime of forcing someone to have sex against their will; verbal noun of the verb éignigh.Also: sexual assault, raping.

1 other meaning: violation

2violation: The act of forcing or violating something, taking it by force; verbal noun of éignigh.Also: forcing, taking by force, coercion.

“Éigniú” as a verbal noun

After ag, éigniú means raping: it is the verbal noun of the verb éignigh (to rape). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat

éigniúverbal noun

ag éigniúraping

“Éigniú” with the article

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

an t-éigniú

the rape

Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

“Éigniú” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using éigniú, the Irish word for rape.

Is coir an-tromchúiseach é an t-éigniú.

Rape is a very serious crime.

Cúisíodh é as éigniú mná óige.

He was charged with the rape of a young woman.

Thug sí fianaise faoin éigniú sa chúirt.

She gave evidence about the rape in court.

Tá ionad géarchéime éignithe sa chathair.

There is a rape crisis centre in the city.

Fuarthas ciontach é in éigniú.

He was found guilty of rape.

Ní thuairiscítear gach cás éignithe do na gardaí.

Not every rape case is reported to the gardaí.

Cuireadh téarma fada príosúin air mar gheall ar an éigniú.

He got a long prison sentence because of the rape.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

lámhhand níthing láthairsite mímonth cáscase cáscase

Rape in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for rape?

The Irish for rape is éigniú (pronounced “AYG-nyoo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean violation.

How do you pronounce éigniú in Irish?

Éigniú is said like “AYG-nyoo” (IPA /ˈeːɟɲuː/).

Does éigniú have a plural?

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

Does éigniú have more than one meaning?

Yes. Éigniú can mean rape or violation, depending on context; the first is the most common.

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

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-éigniú (the rape), a héigniú (her rape), a n-éigniú (their rape).

How is éigniú related to éigean?

Éigniú comes from the verb éignigh, which is built on éigean 'force, compulsion', so it literally means 'forcing'. The same root appears in ar éigean 'barely'.

What is the word for a rapist?

A rapist is éigneoir, from the same verb éignigh.

Rape in Irish (Éigniú): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage