/ ˈpæri; NAmE / verb ( par·ries , parry·ing , par·ried , par·ried )
1.
to defend yourself against sb who is attacking you by pushing their arm, weapon, etc. to one side
SYN deflect :
[ vn ]
He parried a blow to his head.
The shot was parried by the goalie.
[also v ]
2.
to avoid having to answer a difficult question, criticism, etc., especially by replying in the same way
SYN fend off :
[ vn ]
She parried all questions about their relationship.
[also v speech ]
► parry noun ( pl. -ies )
••
WORD ORIGIN
late 17th cent.: probably representing French parez! ward off!, imperative of parer , from Italian parare ward off.