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Suffocation in Irish (Plúchadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘plúchadh’ also means: asthma · heavy fall of snow

The Irish for suffocation is plúchadh, a masculine noun. Ag plúchadh is smothering, from the verb plúch.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “suffocation” in Irish

Irish:
plúchadh
English:
suffocation, asthma, heavy fall of snow
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
plúch, to smother (ag plúchadh, smothering)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“PLOO-khuh”  /ˈpl̪ˠuːxə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
plúchta, an phlúchta (e.g. contúirt plúchta, danger of suffocation)

What does “plúchadh” mean?

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

suffocation
The act of smothering or suffocating someone or something; it is the verbal noun of the verb 'plúch'.Also: smothering, asphyxiation, choking, stifling.
2 other meanings: asthma or heavy fall of snow
2asthma
A condition in which a person has difficulty breathing, wheezing and shortness of breath.Also: breathlessness, shortness of breath, wheezing.
3heavy fall of snow
A dense, smothering fall or heap of something such as snow or smoke.Also: heavy snowfall, snowdrift, smother, dense fall.

“Plúchadh” as a verbal noun

After ag, plúchadh means smothering: it is the verbal noun of the verb plúch (to smother). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
plúchadhverbal noun
=
ag plúchadhsmothering

“Plúchadh” with the article

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

an plúchadh
the suffocation
No change after an

“Plúchadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using plúchadh, the Irish word for suffocation.

Tá plúchadh ar mo mhac ó bhí sé óg.
My son has had asthma since he was young.
Fuair an fear bás de bharr plúchta.
The man died of suffocation.
Bhí plúchadh sneachta ann aréir.
There was a heavy fall of snow last night.
Bhraith sí plúchadh sa seomra te.
She felt suffocated in the hot room.
Bhí mé i mo phlúchadh leis an deatach.
I was choking with the smoke.
Tá cógas aici don phlúchadh.
She has medicine for the asthma.
Is féidir le málaí plaisteacha plúchadh a dhéanamh ar leanaí.
Plastic bags can suffocate children.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Suffocation in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for suffocation?

The Irish for suffocation is plúchadh (pronounced “PLOO-khuh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean asthma or heavy fall of snow.

How do you pronounce plúchadh in Irish?

Plúchadh is said like “PLOO-khuh” (IPA /ˈpl̪ˠuːxə/).

Does plúchadh have a plural?

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

Does plúchadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Plúchadh can mean suffocation, asthma or heavy fall of snow, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does plúchadh change to phlúchadh or bplúchadh?

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

What is the difference between 'plúchadh' and 'múchadh'?

Both can mean smothering, but 'múchadh' is also used for extinguishing a fire or light, while 'plúchadh' is the usual word for suffocation and, colloquially, asthma.

How do I say someone is out of breath with asthma?

You can say 'tá plúchadh air', or 'tá sé ina phlúchadh' meaning he is choking or gasping.

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