Pronunciation: [sˈɛntən] (IPA) 
The word "senton" is spelled as /sɛntən/. The first sound is "s" which is followed by "ɛ" sound which is similar to "e" in "end". Then "n" sound comes in followed by "t" and "ə" which is short "uh" sound. Lastly, the word ends with "n" sound. "Senton" is not commonly used and may not be found in many dictionaries, but it is believed to be a play on the word "sentient" which means having perception and consciousness.
The term "senton" refers to a professional wrestling move that involves a wrestler jumping or flipping in the air and landing on their opponent. This move is typically executed by wrestlers with an aerial or high-flying style. The primary objective of a senton is to inflict damage upon the opponent's body by using the wrestler's own weight and momentum.
During a senton, the wrestler starts from an elevated position, such as the top turnbuckle, the ring apron, or even the ropes. They then propel themselves off that platform by either jumping, somersaulting, or flipping backwards or forwards. As the wrestler is airborne, they aim to tuck or extend their body into a specific position to maximize impact. In most cases, they land with their back or torso connecting with the opponent's body, striking them with considerable force.
Sentons can vary in execution, including variations such as the standing senton, front-flip senton, back-flip senton, or the twisting senton. These variations allow for a diverse range of attacks, targeting different areas of an opponent's body with varying degrees of impact.
The senton maneuver has become a staple in professional wrestling due to its visually impressive nature and ability to leave a lasting impact on the recipient. It is commonly used as a high-risk move, often executed during crucial moments in matches to gain a significant advantage or secure a victory.
The word "senton" has its origin in Japanese professional wrestling, known as puroresu. In Japanese, "senton" (泉鏡花) refers to a technique where the wrestler jumps or falls onto their opponent's body with their back.
The etymology of the term is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be a combination of two Japanese words. "Sen" (泉) can mean "washing" or "spring", while "ton" (鏡花) is the name of a famous Japanese author, Natsume Soseki. Together, "senton" is suggested to allude to the act of a wrestler "washing" or "springing" onto their opponent, adopting a back-first posture, in a manner that reflects the literary works of Natsume Soseki.
