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Parry
par-ry :: verb
To evade especially by a clever answer.
"He skillfully parried the question with a humorous remark."
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usagepar·ry (pr)
v. par·ried, par·ry·ing, par·ries
v.tr.
1. To deflect or ward off (a fencing thrust, for example).
2. To deflect, evade, or avoid: He skillfully parried the question with a clever reply.
v.intr.
To deflect or ward off a thrust or blow.
n. pl. par·ries
1. The deflecting or warding off of a thrust or blow, as in fencing.
2. An evasive answer or action.
[Probably from French parez, imperative of parer, to defend, from Italian parare, from Latin parre, to prepare; see per-1 in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words AntonymsNoun 1. parry - a return punch (especially by a boxer)
counterpunch, counter
biff, punch, lick, poke, clout - (boxing) a blow with the fist; "I gave him a clout on his nose"
Verb 1. parry - impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball); "block an attack"
deflect, block
fence - fight with fencing swords
2. parry - avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues); "He dodged the issue"; "she skirted the problem"; "They tend to evade their responsibilities"; "he evaded the questions skillfully"
evade, hedge, sidestep, skirt, fudge, circumvent, dodge, elude, duck, put off
quibble - evade the truth of a point or question by raising irrelevant objections
avoid - stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something; "Her former friends now avoid her"
Miss Creant, who sees herself as the voice of reason, parried Bela's query concerning bias with a charge of "well if the shoes fit...."
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