In self-defence, pay out with a growl (5)
I believe the answer is:
parry
'growl' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'in self-defence pay out' is the wordplay.
'in self defence' becomes 'rr' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'out' indicates putting letters inside.
'rr' placed within 'pay' is 'PARRY'.
'with a' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for parry that I've seen before include "Fend off (a blow)" , "skilful evasion" , "evasive action" , "Answer evasively; 'Jerusalem' composer" , "Jerusalem's composer" .)