Pronunciation: /ˈpæri/

Definitions of parry

noun a defensive action in fencing or other sports involving the use of a blade or hand to deflect an opponent's attack

Example Sentences

A1 In fencing, a parry is a defensive move to block an opponent's attack.

A2 The knight used his shield to parry the enemy's sword during the battle.

B1 She was able to parry the criticism by responding calmly and confidently.

B2 The politician was skilled at using humor to parry difficult questions during interviews.

C1 The master swordsman effortlessly executed a parry and riposte in the duel.

C2 The lawyer's quick wit allowed her to parry any objections raised by the opposing counsel.

verb to ward off or deflect an attack, argument, or criticism

Example Sentences

A1 He tried to parry the attack with his sword.

A2 The boxer managed to parry most of his opponent's punches.

B1 The politician was skilled at parrying difficult questions during interviews.

B2 The fencer was able to parry the opponent's thrust and counterattack effectively.

C1 The lawyer was adept at parrying objections from the opposing counsel.

C2 The master swordsman could effortlessly parry any attack thrown at him.

Examples of parry in a Sentence

formal The skilled fencer was able to parry every attack from his opponent.

informal I watched as the two swordsmen tried to parry each other's strikes.

slang He tried to parry my joke with a witty comeback.

figurative She was able to parry all of the difficult questions during the interview.

Grammatical Forms of parry

past tense

parried

plural

parries

comparative

more parry

superlative

most parry

present tense

parry

future tense

will parry

perfect tense

have parried

continuous tense

is parrying

singular

parry

positive degree

parry

infinitive

to parry

gerund

parrying

participle

parrying

Origin and Evolution of parry

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old French
Story behind the word: The word 'parry' originated from the Old French word 'parer' which means to defend or ward off.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'parry' has come to specifically refer to deflecting or blocking an opponent's attack in fencing or combat, evolving from its general meaning of defense or protection.