parry

¹

[par-ee]

verb (used with object)

parried, parrying 

1. to ward off (a thrust, stroke, weapon, etc.), as in fencing; avert.

2. to turn aside; evade or dodge.

   to parry an embarrassing question.

   Synonyms: preclude, obviate, prevent, elude, avert

verb (used without object)

parried, parrying 

1. to parry a thrust, blow, etc.

noun

plural

parries 

1. an act or instance of parrying, as in fencing.

2. a defensive movement in fencing.

Parry

²

[par-ee]

noun

1. Milman, 1902–35, U.S. classical scholar and philologist.

2. William Edward, 1790–1855, English Arctic explorer.

parry

¹

/ ˈpærɪ /

verb

1. to ward off (an attack) by blocking or deflecting, as in fencing

2. (tr) to evade (questions), esp adroitly

noun

1. an act of parrying, esp (in fencing) using a stroke or circular motion of the blade

2. a skilful evasion, as of a question

Parry

²

/ ˈpærɪ /

noun

1. Sir ( Charles ) Hubert ( Hastings ). 1848–1918, English composer, noted esp for his choral works

2. Sir William Edward. 1790–1855, English arctic explorer, who searched for the Northwest Passage (1819–25) and attempted to reach the North Pole (1827)

Other Word Forms

• parriable adjective
• parrier noun
• unparried adjective
• unparrying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of parry¹

1665–75; < French parez, imperative of parer to ward off, set off < Latin parāre to set. See parade

Word History and Origins

Origin of parry¹

C17: from French parer to ward off, from Latin parāre to prepare

Example Sentences

Fifty minutes into her deposition, after parrying questions and defending herself against the court's doubts, Mamta's composure faltered for the first time.

From BBC

His first chance, on 20, was tough as Brook parried a high edge at second slip off the bowling of Atkinson.

From BBC

His drive to Stokes' 10th ball of the day was parried by Pope then, on 90, Gill was struck on the helmet by one that reared from back of a length.

From BBC

I know the jokes are supposed to sound like and how it’s supposed to hit and how we’re supposed to parry off of another statement.

From Los Angeles Times

That sort of nitpicky critique — and trust me, “Ballerina’s” plot inspires plenty of them — can be parried by an obvious rebuttal.

From Los Angeles Times