verb
Uncommon
parry
PAR-ee
Parry (verb) means to block or deflect a blow, attack, or difficult question. Example: “The fencer parried the attack and countered instantly.”
verb
1
To block or deflect a blow, attack, or difficult question.
"The fencer parried the attack and countered instantly."
"She parried every question about her private life with a joke."
noun
1
A move that blocks or deflects an attack.
"His quick parry saved him from a serious hit."
How to use parry
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo fend off an attack — with a weapon in fencing, or with a clever answer in an argument.
Common pairings
parry a question
parry a blow
parry and thrust
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Word forms
- Plural
- parries
- Third person singular
- parries
- Past tense
- parried
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His quick _____ saved him from a serious hit.
Etymology
From French parer, "to fend off," from Latin parare, "to prepare, ward off."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for parry
See all rhymes for parry →Frequently asked questions
What does “parry” mean?
The word “parry” means to block or deflect a blow, attack, or difficult question. In plain terms, to fend off an attack — with a weapon in fencing, or with a clever answer in an argument.
How do you pronounce “parry”?
“Parry” is pronounced PAR-ee (/ˈpæɹ.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “parry” in a sentence?
Here is “parry” used in a sentence: “His quick parry saved him from a serious hit.”
What is another word for “parry”?
Words with a similar meaning to “parry” include parade.
What part of speech is “parry”?
Depending on how it is used, “parry” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “parry” come from?
The word “parry” comes from Latin. From French parer, "to fend off," from Latin parare, "to prepare, ward off.".
Is “parry” a common word?
“Parry” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “parry” have?
“Parry” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to block or deflect a blow, attack, or difficult question.
