HeyRuaHow to say “sanctuary” in Irish
- Irish:
- tearmann
- English:
- sanctuary, asylum, protection, termon
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “TYAR-uh-mun” /ˈtʲaɾˠəmˠən̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- tearmainn (sanctuaries)
- Genitive singular:
- tearmainn, an tearmainn (e.g. iarrthóir tearmainn, asylum seeker)
- Genitive plural:
- tearmann, na dtearmann (e.g. cosaint na dtearmann, the protection of the sanctuaries)
What does “tearmann” mean?
“Tearmann” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- sanctuary
- A holy or protected place where people or animals are safe from harm.Also: refuge, haven, safe haven.
3 other meanings: asylum or protection or termon
- 2asylum
- Protection given by a state to a person fleeing danger in their own country.Also: political asylum, refuge.
- 3protection
- Shelter or protection given to someone, as in the phrase 'faoi thearmann'.Also: shelter, safekeeping.
- 4termon
- Historically, church land around a monastery that had the right of sanctuary.Also: glebe, church land.
“Tearmann” with the article
The plural of sanctuary in Irish is tearmainn. Here is tearmann after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Tearmann” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using tearmann, the Irish word for sanctuary.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Sanctuary in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for sanctuary?
The Irish for sanctuary is tearmann (pronounced “TYAR-uh-mun”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tearmainn. Depending on context it can also mean asylum or protection or termon.
How do you pronounce tearmann in Irish?
Tearmann is said like “TYAR-uh-mun” (IPA /ˈtʲaɾˠəmˠən̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of sanctuary in Irish?
The plural of tearmann is tearmainn; with the article, na tearmainn means “the sanctuaries”. The genitive plural is tearmann, as in cosaint na dtearmann (the protection of the sanctuaries).
Does tearmann have more than one meaning?
Yes. Tearmann can mean sanctuary, asylum, protection or termon, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does tearmann change to thearmann or dtearmann?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tearmann becomes mo thearmann (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtearmann (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'tearmann' and 'dídean'?
'Dídean' is general shelter, such as from rain or homelessness, while 'tearmann' suggests protected sanctuary or legal asylum, as in 'iarrthóir tearmainn' (asylum seeker).
Is 'termon' in Irish place names related?
Yes, English 'termon' in place names such as Termonfeckin comes from 'tearmann', the church sanctuary land.
