To parry is to ward off a weapon or blow; indeed, parrying is as important to fencing as sticking one’s opponent with the pointy end. The word parry was borrowed from the French verb parer, …

This is the start of a "phrase" i.e. an any unbroken chain of recognisable offensive and defensive actions, such as lunging or parrying performed by the two fencers.

If you parry a question or argument, you cleverly avoid answering it or dealing with it. In an awkward press conference, Mr King parried questions on the allegations. [VERB noun] If you …

PARRY definition: to ward off (a thrust, stroke, weapon, etc.), as in fencing; avert. See examples of parry used in a sentence.

Definition of parry verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

To deflect, evade, or avoid: He skillfully parried the question with a clever reply. To deflect or ward off a thrust or blow. 1. The deflecting or warding off of a thrust or blow, as in fencing. 2. An …

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 …

to turn aside or push aside (a sword attack, a blow, etc.): [~ + object] parried the first attack with a quick move to the side. [no object] As the attacker swung, she parried, then sidestepped his …

PARRY definition: 1. to defend yourself from a weapon or an attack by pushing the weapon away or by putting something…. Learn more.

Dec 14, 2025 · A defensive or deflective action; an act of parrying. (fencing) A simple defensive action designed to deflect an attack, performed with the forte of the blade.