WordGarden.ioparry
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈæri/
US
- /ˈpɛri/
Meanings
Verb
to ward off or deflect an attack or blow
to deflect or evade a question, criticism, or challenge
Noun
a defensive fencing move that deflects an opponent's attack
Beyond the definition
Imagine a fencer smoothly turning aside an opponent's thrust with a sword. That is the basic idea. But the word is not only about fencing. To parry means to block, deflect, or answer something in a quick and skillful way, whether it is a physical attack, a hard question, or criticism. A clever politician might parry accusations by changing the direction of the conversation, and a good negotiator might parry unfair demands with calm counter-offers. It is about protecting yourself by meeting a challenge instead of letting it land directly.
The word "parry" originally comes from fencing, the art of sword fighting. A parry is a defensive move in which you deflect your opponent's attack with your blade, stopping it from hitting you. Over time, its meaning broadened to include other kinds of skillful deflection or response.
To parry something is not just to block it; it also suggests a quick, clever response. If someone throws harsh criticism at you, you might parry it with humor. A lawyer might parry a line of attack from opposing counsel during a trial. A skilled debater can parry an argument by pointing out flaws in its logic.
The key idea is that a parry is not simple avoidance. It is an active response, a strategic move that turns aside something unwanted or harmful. The word suggests control, speed, and skill in the face of a challenge. You might even say someone "parried the blow" of bad news with calm strength.
So whether you are on the fencing strip or dealing with a difficult conversation, to parry is to deflect, answer, or fend off an attack, a remark, or a challenge with skill and control.
Examples
- 1
Fencing practice
During practice, she learned to parry a quick thrust and step back into position.
- 2
Physical defense
He raised his arm to parry the blow before it hit his face.
- 3
Political questions
The minister parried questions about the scandal with a careful smile.
- 4
Avoiding details
When reporters pressed her for details, she parried with a joke and moved on.
- Patternparry with + response
respond in a way that avoids the main point
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public criticism
His speech tried to parry criticism by pointing to the team's recent results.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- parrynounverb
Forms
- parriedpast tenseverbnoun
- parrying-ing formverbnoun
- parriespluralnounverb