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Tormenting in Irish (Ciapadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘ciapadh’ also means: vexation

The Irish for tormenting is ciapadh, a masculine noun. Ag ciapadh is tormenting, from the verb ciap.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “tormenting” in Irish

Irish:
ciapadh
English:
tormenting, vexation
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
ciap, to torment (ag ciapadh, tormenting)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“KEE-uh-puh”  /ˈciəpˠə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
ciaptha, an chiaptha (e.g. le linn an chiaptha, during the tormenting)

What does “ciapadh” mean?

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

tormenting
The verbal noun of the verb 'ciap': the act of tormenting, harassing or annoying someone.Also: torment, harassment, annoyance, teasing.
1 other meaning: vexation
2vexation
A state of worry, distress or vexation that someone suffers.Also: worry, distress, anguish.

“Ciapadh” as a verbal noun

After ag, ciapadh means tormenting: it is the verbal noun of the verb ciap (to torment). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
ciapadhverbal noun
=
ag ciapadhtormenting

“Ciapadh” with the article

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

an ciapadh
the tormenting
No change after an

“Ciapadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ciapadh, the Irish word for tormenting.

Ní ghlacfaidh an scoil le ciapadh na bpáistí.
The school won't tolerate the tormenting of children.
Bhí an ciapadh ag dul thar fóir.
The harassment was going too far.
Tá sé ag ciapadh a dhearthár arís.
He is tormenting his brother again.
Ná bí do mo chiapadh leis na ceisteanna sin.
Don't be pestering me with those questions.
Chuir an ciapadh isteach go mór uirthi.
The torment affected her greatly.
Bhí ciapadh intinne uirthi faoin scrúdú.
She was worried sick about the exam.
D'fhulaing sé blianta ciaptha ar scoil.
He suffered years of torment at school.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Tormenting in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for tormenting?

The Irish for tormenting is ciapadh (pronounced “KEE-uh-puh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean vexation.

How do you pronounce ciapadh in Irish?

Ciapadh is said like “KEE-uh-puh” (IPA /ˈciəpˠə/).

Does ciapadh have a plural?

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

Does ciapadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ciapadh can mean tormenting or vexation, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does ciapadh change to chiapadh or gciapadh?

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

How is 'ciapadh' different from 'bulaíocht'?

'Bulaíocht' specifically means bullying, while 'ciapadh' is broader: tormenting, harassing or worrying someone, and also the distress felt.

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