IPA

Dictionary definition of parry

To defend from a weapon or attack in various forms of combat, such as fencing, martial arts, or sword fighting.
"In their verbal duel, he knew he had to parry every accusation she threw his way."

Detailed meaning of parry

It is used to deflect or redirect an incoming attack, rather than absorbing it with a block. A parry can be executed with a weapon, such as a sword, or with an empty hand. In fencing, for example, a fencer might use their sword to deflect an incoming thrust from their opponent's weapon. In martial arts, a parry might involve using an arm or leg to redirect a punch or kick. A parry can also be used as a counter-attack opportunity, as a skilled practitioner can use the momentum of the incoming attack to strike back at their opponent.

Example sentences of parry

1. With a swift move, she will parry his aggressive stance.
2. A skilled fencer must know when to parry an opponent's thrust.
3. The ability to parry criticism will serve you well in this industry.
4. Sometimes, it's wiser to parry an argument than to engage in it.
5. He studied the chessboard, planning to parry his opponent's next move.
6. You must learn to parry adversity with grace and fortitude.

History and etymology of parry

The verb 'parry' has its origins in the world of fencing and combat, particularly in European martial traditions. Its etymology can be traced back to the French word 'parer,' which means 'to ward off' or 'to defend.' The French term itself has roots in the Latin word 'parare,' which means 'to prepare' or 'to make ready.' In the context of combat, 'parry' involves skillfully deflecting or blocking an opponent's attack with a weapon, such as a sword or foil, by using one's own weapon in a defensive manner. This etymology reflects the essence of preparation and defense inherent in the act of parrying, where a combatant readies themselves to protect against an impending attack, making it a fundamental technique in various forms of combat and self-defense.

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Further usage examples of parry

1. She felt the urge to parry his intrusive questions with sharp retorts.
2. The diplomat knew how to parry unwelcome inquiries with a smile.
3. To parry his opponent's jab, he swiftly maneuvered to the left.
4. My role in the debate was to parry any negative statements about our policies.
5. It's important to parry destructive thoughts with positive affirmations.
6. The martial artist was taught to parry attacks instead of directly confronting them.
7. With quick reflexes, she managed to parry the flying object coming her way.
8. When you parry a blow, it's not just about strength, but also about timing and accuracy.
9. The swordsman must parry his opponent's strike to survive the duel.
10. As a boxer, you have to parry your rival's punches while landing your own.
11. The teacher knew how to parry difficult questions with tact and patience.
12. In fencing, the ability to parry your opponent's attacks is as important as attacking.
13. To maintain peace, sometimes we must parry conflicts rather than inflame them.
14. With a swift parry, he deflected the opponent's thrusting blade.
15. She used her skills to parry every strike in the intense duel.
16. Parry the attack and seize the opportunity to counterstrike.
17. The fencer's quick parry saved them from a certain hit.
18. He had to parry multiple attacks in the midst of battle.
19. The martial artist's precise parry left the opponent off balance.
20. In swordplay, timing is key to a successful parry.
21. She practiced tirelessly to perfect her parrying technique.
22. The master swordsman could parry even the most cunning attacks.
23. He executed a flawless parry, leaving his opponent stunned.
24. The warrior's parry was the turning point of the fierce fight.