Violence in Irish (Foréigean): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for violence?

The Irish for violence is foréigean (pronounced “for-AY-gyun”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean force, compulsion.

Q: Does foréigean have more than one meaning?

Yes. Foréigean can mean violence or force, compulsion, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “violence” in Irish

Irish:: foréigean
English:: violence, force, compulsion
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “for-AY-gyun” /fˠɔɾˠˈeːɟən̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: foréigin, an fhoréigin (e.g. íospartaigh an fhoréigin, victims of the violence)

What does “foréigean” mean?

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

violence: The use of physical force to hurt people or damage things.Also: force, violent behaviour, brutality.

1 other meaning: force, compulsion

2force, compulsion: Force or coercion used to make someone do something against their will, as in 'le foréigean' (by force).Also: force, compulsion, coercion, duress.

Other Irish words for violence: éigean (force)

“Foréigean” with the article

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

an foréigean

the violence

No change after an

“Foréigean” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using foréigean, the Irish word for violence.

Ní réitíonn foréigean aon fhadhb.

Violence doesn't solve any problem.

Cháin an rialtas an foréigean ar na sráideanna.

The government condemned the violence on the streets.

Tá deireadh leis an bhforéigean sa cheantar anois.

The violence in the area is over now.

Bhí sí ina híospartach foréigin sa bhaile.

She was a victim of violence at home.

Tógadh an t-airgead uaidh le foréigean.

The money was taken from him by force.

Tá an iomarca foréigin sa scannán sin.

There's too much violence in that film.

Labhair siad faoi fhoréigean i measc daoine óga.

They talked about violence among young people.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

gruaighair tarraingtpulling cinntiúconfirmation naomhsaint scórscore scórscore

Violence in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for violence?

The Irish for violence is foréigean (pronounced “for-AY-gyun”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean force, compulsion.

How do you pronounce foréigean in Irish?

Foréigean is said like “for-AY-gyun” (IPA /fˠɔɾˠˈeːɟən̪ˠ/).

Does foréigean have a plural?

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

Does foréigean have more than one meaning?

Yes. Foréigean can mean violence or force, compulsion, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does foréigean change to fhoréigean or bhforéigean?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) foréigean becomes m'fhoréigean (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhforéigean (eclipsis).

What is the adjective from 'foréigean'?

The adjective is 'foréigneach', meaning violent, as in 'duine foréigneach' (a violent person).

How is 'foréigean' related to 'éigean'?

'Foréigean' is built on 'éigean' (force, necessity), as in 'ar éigean' (barely); 'foréigean' specifically means violence or force used against someone.

Violence in Irish (Foréigean): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage