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Tearing in Irish (Réabadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘réabadh’ also means: devastation · violation

The Irish for tearing is réabadh, a masculine noun. Ag réabadh is tearing, from the verb réab.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “tearing” in Irish

Irish:
réabadh
English:
tearing, devastation, violation
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
réab, to tear (ag réabadh, tearing)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“RAY-buh”  /ˈɾˠeːbˠə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
réabtha, an réabtha (e.g. le linn an réabtha, during the tearing)

What does “réabadh” mean?

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

tearing
The verbal noun of réab: the act of tearing, rending or bursting something apart.Also: rending, bursting, ripping.
2 other meanings: devastation or violation
2devastation
Violent destruction or shattering, or the state of being wrecked.Also: destruction, shattering, demolition.
3violation
The breaking or violating of a rule, agreement or peace.Also: breach, infringement.

Other Irish words for tearing: stróiceadh (tearing)

“Réabadh” as a verbal noun

After ag, réabadh means tearing: it is the verbal noun of the verb réab (to tear). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
réabadhverbal noun
=
ag réabadhtearing

“Réabadh” with the article

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

an réabadh
the tearing
No change after an

“Réabadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using réabadh, the Irish word for tearing.

Chualamar réabadh mór i lár na hoíche.
We heard a great ripping noise in the middle of the night.
Rinne an madra réabadh ar an bpáipéar.
The dog tore the paper to bits.
Bhí an réabadh le feiceáil ar fud na sráide.
The devastation could be seen all along the street.
Chuala mé réabadh an éadaigh nuair a shuigh sé.
I heard the cloth tear when he sat down.
Bhí torann an réabtha uafásach.
The noise of the tearing was terrible.
Tá siad ag réabadh na seanbhallaí anuas.
They are tearing down the old walls.
Cuireadh réabadh na síochána ina leith.
He was accused of breaching the peace.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Tearing in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for tearing?

The Irish for tearing is réabadh (pronounced “RAY-buh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean devastation or violation.

How do you pronounce réabadh in Irish?

Réabadh is said like “RAY-buh” (IPA /ˈɾˠeːbˠə/).

Does réabadh have a plural?

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

Does réabadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Réabadh can mean tearing, devastation or violation, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How does réabadh differ from stróiceadh?

Stróiceadh usually means tearing cloth or paper, while réabadh suggests more violent bursting or wrecking, as in réabadh na síochána, breach of the peace.

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