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View synonyms for parry

parry

1

[ par-ee ]

verb (used with object)

, par·ried, par·ry·ing.
  1. to ward off (a thrust, stroke, weapon, etc.), as in fencing; avert.
  2. to turn aside; evade or dodge:

    to parry an embarrassing question.

    Synonyms: preclude, obviate, prevent, elude, avert



verb (used without object)

, par·ried, par·ry·ing.
  1. to parry a thrust, blow, etc.

noun

, plural par·ries.
  1. an act or instance of parrying, as in fencing.
  2. a defensive movement in fencing.

Parry

2

[ par-ee ]

noun

  1. Milman, 1902–35, U.S. classical scholar and philologist.
  2. William Edward, 1790–1855, English Arctic explorer.

parry

1

/ ˈpærɪ /

verb

  1. to ward off (an attack) by blocking or deflecting, as in fencing
  2. tr to evade (questions), esp adroitly


noun

  1. an act of parrying, esp (in fencing) using a stroke or circular motion of the blade
  2. a skilful evasion, as of a question

Parry

2

/ ˈpærɪ /

noun

  1. ParrySir (Charles) Hubert18481918MEnglishMUSIC: composer Sir ( Charles ) Hubert ( Hastings ). 1848–1918, English composer, noted esp for his choral works
  2. ParrySir William Edward17901855MEnglishTRAVEL AND EXPLORATION: explorer Sir William Edward. 1790–1855, English arctic explorer, who searched for the Northwest Passage (1819–25) and attempted to reach the North Pole (1827)

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Other Words From

  • parri·a·ble adjective
  • parri·er noun
  • un·parried adjective
  • un·parry·ing adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of parry1

1665–75; < French parez, imperative of parer to ward off, set off < Latin parāre to set. See parade

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Word History and Origins

Origin of parry1

C17: from French parer to ward off, from Latin parāre to prepare

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Example Sentences

Critics like Parry Aftab argue that these sites are essentially conduits for bullying.

The Falklands gets mentioned on page three; there is music by Elgar (of course) and Parry.

No one has heard the Bolivarian leader speak a word (due to a surgical tube in his trachea, officials parry).

Parry acknowledged that the Krim tragedy has provoked anxiety among parents.

Think like a fencer: parry on Medicare; lunge at the stimulus.

“All right, sahib,” was the unexpected parry to this astounding thrust, and Chumru kept on with his task.

His sword half turned as Richard attempted parry,—but smote the Norman's helm-crest.

And before he could raise to parry, Richard saw the other's blade swing straight upon him.

If you produce texts about one offering, or any others of the sort, he has still a thrust to deliver that it is hard to parry.

The wives bore ill-usage with the most extraordinary equanimity, and never attempted to parry even the most savage blow.

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