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1. (fencing) blocking a lunge or deflecting it with a circular motion of the sword
    
2. A return punch (especially by a boxer)
   - counterpunch, counter

1. Impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
   "parry an attack";
   - block, deflect
    
2. Avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
   "They tend to parry their responsibilities";
   - hedge, fudge, evade, put off, circumvent, elude, skirt, dodge, duck [informal], sidestep, finesse, circumnavigate

Derived forms: parries, parried, parrying

Type of: avoid, biff [informal], block, blocking, clout, dong [Austral, NZ, informal], fence, lick, poke, punch, slug

Encyclopedia: Parry, Matthew