parry Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (fencing) blocking a lunge or deflecting it with a circular motion of the sword
  2. noun a return punch (especially by a boxer)
    counterpunch; counter.
  3. verb impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
    deflect; block.
    • block an attack
  4. verb avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
    dodge; fudge; sidestep; evade; elude; skirt; duck; hedge; circumvent; put off.
    • He dodged the issue
    • she skirted the problem
    • They tend to evade their responsibilities
    • he evaded the questions skillfully

WordNet

Par"ry transitive verb
Etymology
F. paré, p. p. of parer. See Pare, v. t.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Parried ; present participle & verbal noun Parrying
Definitions
  1. To ward off; to stop, or to turn aside; as, to parry a thrust, a blow, or anything that means or threatens harm. Locke.
    Vice parries wide The undreaded volley with a sword of straw. Cowper.
  2. To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade.
    The French government has parried the payment of our claims. E. Everett.
Par"ry intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To ward off, evade, or turn aside something, as a blow, argument, etc. Locke.
Par"ry noun
Wordforms
plural Parries
Definitions
  1. A warding off of a thrust or blow, as in sword and bayonet exercises or in boxing; hence, figuratively, a defensive movement in debate or other intellectual encounter.

Webster 1913