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Stabbing in Irish (Ropadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘ropadh’ also means: dashing · tearing

The Irish for stabbing is ropadh, a masculine noun. Ag ropadh is stabbing, from the verb rop.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “stabbing” in Irish

Irish:
ropadh
English:
stabbing, dashing, tearing
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
rop, to stab (ag ropadh, stabbing)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“RUP-uh”  /ˈɾˠɔpˠə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
roptha, an roptha (e.g. cás roptha, a stabbing case)

What does “ropadh” mean?

“Ropadh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

stabbing
The act of thrusting or stabbing at something; the verbal noun of the verb 'rop'.Also: thrusting, lunging, stab.
2 other meanings: dashing or tearing
2dashing
The act of rushing or dashing along violently; also the verbal noun of 'rop'.Also: rushing, tearing along.
3tearing
The act of tearing or rending something roughly; also the verbal noun of 'rop'.Also: rending, ripping.

Other Irish words for stabbing: sá (thrusting)

“Ropadh” as a verbal noun

After ag, ropadh means stabbing: it is the verbal noun of the verb rop (to stab). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
ropadhverbal noun
=
ag ropadhstabbing

“Ropadh” with the article

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

an ropadh
the stabbing
No change after an

“Ropadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ropadh, the Irish word for stabbing.

Bhí sé ag ropadh an fhéir le píce.
He was stabbing at the grass with a pitchfork.
Chonaic mé an ropadh ón bhfuinneog.
I saw the stabbing from the window.
Gabhadh é tar éis an roptha.
He was arrested after the stabbing.
Tháinig an tarbh ag ropadh tríd an ngeata.
The bull came charging through the gate.
Fuair sé ropadh scine sa chos.
He got a knife stab in the leg.
Chuaigh an carr ag ropadh síos an bóthar.
The car went tearing down the road.
Bhí na gardaí ag fiosrú cás roptha.
The guards were investigating a stabbing case.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Stabbing in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for stabbing?

The Irish for stabbing is ropadh (pronounced “RUP-uh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean dashing or tearing.

How do you pronounce ropadh in Irish?

Ropadh is said like “RUP-uh” (IPA /ˈɾˠɔpˠə/).

Does ropadh have a plural?

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

Does ropadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ropadh can mean stabbing, dashing or tearing, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between 'ropadh' and 'sá'?

Both can mean a stab or thrust; 'sá' is the more general word for a push or stab, while 'ropadh' suggests a violent thrust or a rushing movement.

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