parry
verb (used with object)
to ward off (a thrust, stroke, weapon, etc.), as in fencing; avert.
was parrying
-
past progressiveof parry.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He was parrying tough questions on a big stage for the first time, facing an audience who knew him only as the Angry L.A.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 6, 2026
Whittingham squandered a chance inside the first four minutes, when he dragged wide with only Weale to beat, and moments later the Leicester keeper was parrying a free-kick from the same player wide.
From The Guardian ● May 12, 2010
He was parrying as though seeking time to collect his scattered wits.
From From Place to Place by Irvin S. (Irvin Shrewsbury) Cobb
He was fighting with a student named Biederwig, and the latter's sword-blade snapped in two as Otto was parrying his fierce attack.
From Historic Boyhoods by Rupert Sargent Holland
Glory be! her protector was parrying the Marquis’ wild thrusts while he himself bided an opening.
From Orphans of the Storm by Henry MacMahon
