Parry

/ˈpæɹ.i/ · verb

Meaning

To avoid, deflect, or ward off (an attack, a blow, an argument, etc.)..

Definitions by Sense

1. To avoid, deflect, or ward off (an attack, a blow, an argument, etc.).
2. A defensive or deflective action; an act of parrying.
3. (fencing) A simple defensive action designed to deflect an attack, performed with the forte of the blade.
4. (combat sports, martial arts) A defensive move intended to change the direction of an incoming strike to make it miss its intended target, rather than block and absorb it; and typically performed with an open hand in a downward or sideways slapping motion.

Example Sentences

One had to be on one's guard when thus confronted and, in the course of my numerous meetings with him, I had on occasion to exercise all my wits and be prepared at a moment's notice to parry a very awkward question, to which I would much rather have given a considered reply.

Wojciech Szczesny was then called into action twice in a minute to parry fierce drives from Djebbour and Torossidis as Arsenal's back four looked all at sea.

Synonyms for parry

Antonyms for parry

Related Words

Word Forms

• parries
• parrying
• parried
• parree

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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