parry

par·ry

verb \ˈper-ē, ˈpa-rē\

par·riedpar·ry·ing

Definition of PARRY

intransitive verb

1

: to ward off a weapon or blow

2

: to evade or turn aside something

transitive verb

1

: to ward off (as a blow)

2

: to evade especially by an adroit answer <parried the question>

— parry noun

Examples of PARRY

1. He parried the thrust of his opponent's sword.
2. He parried and then threw a punch.
3. She cleverly parried the reporters' questions.

Origin of PARRY

probably from French parez, imperative of parer to parry, from Old Occitan parar, from Latin parare to prepare — more at pare

First Known Use: 1672

Rhymes with PARRY

carry, gharry, harry, marry, Shari, tarry