éigean

Éigean is a Gaelic word with several related meanings, primarily centered around the concept of compulsion, force, or necessity. In its most common usage, it can denote something that is obligatory or unavoidable. This can apply to duties, laws, or situations where one has no choice but to act. For example, it might describe a compulsory payment or a situation where one is forced to endure hardship.

The word can also imply pressure or coercion. When something is done *trí éigean*, it means it is done under duress or against one's will. This sense highlights an external force compelling an action. It is distinct from a voluntary act, emphasizing a lack of agency on the part of the person or entity subjected to the éigean.

Furthermore, éigean can refer to a dire or urgent need, a state of emergency where immediate action is required. This usage emphasizes the critical nature of a situation and the necessity for intervention. The term therefore encapsulates a range of meanings from unavoidable obligation to forceful compulsion and urgent necessity, all rooted in the idea of something being imposed or required.