(parries, ~ing, parried)
1.
If you ~ 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.
= counter
VERB: V n
2.
If you ~ a blow from someone who is attacking you, you push aside their arm or weapon so that you are not hurt.
I did not want to wound him, but to restrict myself to defence, to ~ his attacks...
I parried, and that’s when my sword broke.
= deflect
VERB: V n, V