Parry

Search:

Parry

(v. t.) To ward off; to stop, or to turn aside; as, to parry a thrust, a blow, or anything that means or threatens harm.
(v. t.) To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade.
(v. i.) To ward off, evade, or turn aside something, as a blow, argument, etc.
(n.) A warding off of a thrust or blow, as in sword and bayonet exercises or in boxing; hence, figuratively, a defensive movement in debate or other intellectual encounter.