parry
Plural: parries
Noun
- (fencing) blocking a lunge or deflecting it with a circular motion of the sword
- a return punch (especially by a boxer)
- A defensive or deflective action; an act of parrying.
- A simple defensive action designed to deflect an attack, performed with the forte of the blade.
- 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.
Verb
Verb Forms: parried, parrying, parries
- To ward off or deflect an attack, blow, or question.
- impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
- avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
- To avoid, deflect, or ward off (an attack, a blow, an argument, etc.).
Examples
- He tried to PARRY his opponent’s strategic moves with well-placed defensive words.
Origin / Etymology
From earlier parree, from Middle English *parree, *paree, from Old French paree (“preparation, ceremony, parade”), from Medieval Latin parāta (“preparation, parade”), from parāre (“to ward off, guard, defend, prepare, get ready”). More at pare. The English verb is taken from the noun. Doublet of parade.
Alternative etymology derives the verb parry from French parez, the imperative form of parer (“to fend off”), ultimately from the Medieval Latin parāre. See above.
Synonyms
block, circumvent, counter, counterpunch, deflect, dodge, duck, elude, evade, fudge, hedge, put off, sidestep, skirt, parade
Scrabble Score: 10
parry: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Wordparry: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
parry: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary