Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

self-defence

/sˌɛlfdɪfˈɛns/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.44 in modern English

Syllables: self--de-fence
IPA: /sˌɛlfdɪfˈɛns/

20

Scrabble Score

11

Letters

4

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Alternative spelling of self-defense.

Uncountable

Etymology

From self- + defence.

Word Breakdown

Prefix: self

Usage

Uncountable

Inflected Forms

self-defences (plural)

Synonyms

self-defense self-protection

Homonyms

self-defense

Rhymes With

sense defense self-defense defence intense hence offense expense fence dense tense immense

Questions

How do you pronounce self-defence?: The recorded pronunciation is /sˌɛlfdɪfˈɛns/.
What does self-defence mean?: Alternative spelling of self-defense.
Where does self-defence come from?: From self- + defence.

How to pronounce self-defence

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “self-defence”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/sˌɛlfdɪfˈɛns/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “self-defence”.
Repeat and practice — Say “self-defence” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.