an act or instance of parrying, as in fencing.
a defensive movement in fencing.
Milman, 1902–35, U.S. classical scholar and philologist.
William Edward, 1790–1855, English Arctic explorer.
to ward off (an attack) by blocking or deflecting, as in fencing
(tr) to evade (questions), esp adroitly
an act of parrying, esp (in fencing) using a stroke or circular motion of the blade
a skilful evasion, as of a question
Sir ( Charles ) Hubert ( Hastings ). 1848–1918, English composer, noted esp for his choral works
Sir William Edward. 1790–1855, English arctic explorer, who searched for the Northwest Passage (1819–25) and attempted to reach the North Pole (1827)
1665–75; < French parez, imperative of parer to ward off, set off < Latin parāre to set. See parade
Sword fighters thrust and parry. To thrust is to try to stab, and to parry is to avoid getting stabbed by blocking a thrust. Though it comes from fencing, parry is also handy in dodgeball and awkward conversations The word parry means to block or evade a movement, like in fencing, but it can also refer to an evasion that is verbal rather than physical. If someone asks you who you have a crush on, but you don’t want to answer, parry the question — change the subject or ask a question in return. When used in this way parry retains its sense of defending yourself through evasion.
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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Japanese prime minister’s resilience in the face of Chinese pressure could also be instructive to so-called middle powers that are searching for a way to parry pressure from both China and the U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026
“I’m not sure the financial industry can continue to parry this away without giving something up,” he said.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 15, 2026
Moving to his left, Smith got both hands to the ball, only to parry in the direction of the slips, who could not grab the rebound.
From BBC • Dec. 5, 2025
The Belgian goalkeeper was quickly called into action again to parry Joao Palhinha's effort.
From Barron's • Nov. 8, 2025
I wrote things like, Fencer X “will take parry but often misses repost. Use long attack and finish under.”
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
