parry

Meaning

Verb

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

Noun

1. A defensive or deflective action; an act of parrying.
2. A simple defensive action designed to deflect an attack, performed with the forte of the blade.
3. 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.

Synonyms

block

fend off

evade

sidestep

dodge

counter

repel

avoid

ward off

fend

repulse

defend

hedge

hinder

deflect

counterpunch

circumvent

skirt

shun

fudge

obscure

sheltered

forbear

duck

🦆

elude

cut off

spurn

hamper

put off

eschew

repudiate

riposte

scorn

shirk

stall

stand back

stave off

stay away

stint

skate over

turn away

turn down

beat off

freeze off

knock it off

throw back

turn aside

forefend

whitelash

abjure

stay clear

avert

backlash

beat back

beware

chase away

check

counteraction

counterblow

decline

dismiss

do

drive back

escape

fence

fight off

forfend

keep

keep off

let go

miss

obviate

pass up

preclude

push back

rebuff

refuse

refute

reject

repress

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈpæɹi/

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.