What does parry mean?
To parry is to turn aside or ward off an attack, as with a boxer deflecting a punch or a fencer redirecting an opponent's blade. The word also commonly describes avoiding a question, criticism, or other difficulty with a quick or deft response. As a noun, a parry is the defensive movement itself, but it can also refer to a figurative maneuver that redirects attention or sidesteps an awkward issue. In its literal sporting meanings, parry suggests controlled, precise action and quick reflexes. In conversation and formal debate, it often carries the implication that the person is deflecting rather than directly addressing the matter. The word is used in British and American English and appears in both sporting and figurative contexts.
To turn aside or ward off an attack, blow, or thrust; to evade a question or difficulty.
"The minister parried repeated questions about the new policy."
An act of turning aside an attack, or a maneuver that avoids or deflects a question or difficulty.
"His quick parry kept the conversation from becoming embarrassing."
The plural is formed by adding -es to parry.
"The boxer landed several quick parries."
A parry can be a precise defensive move in fencing, a swift turning aside of a punch, or a graceful way of avoiding a question altogether.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parry come from?
The word comes through French parer, meaning to ward off or defend, from Latin parare, meaning to prepare or arrange. English borrowed it in the context of defense, initially especially in fencing and combat. The Latin root is also reflected in English words such as prepare, repair, compare, and parade, which developed from related forms associated with preparing, arranging, or placing.
Related word forms
How parry is actually used
The verb is common in formal and informal contexts. In fencing, boxing, and martial arts, it usually means to deflect an attack; in discussion, it often means to sidestep a question or criticism. The noun is commonly used in the figurative sense of a quick or clever response.
Easily confused with parry
A parry deflects an attack or avoids a question, whereas a parley is a discussion or negotiation, often between opposing parties.