parry Meaning & Definition
What Does Parry Mean?
As a verb, parry means To avoid, deflect, or ward off (an attack, a blow, an argument, etc.). As a noun, it means A defensive or deflective action; an act of parrying.
Parry in Brief
| Part of speech | verb, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈpæɹ.i/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | elude, circumvent and deflect |
| Plural | parries |
| Verb forms | parries, parrying, parried |
Parry Definition (Verb)
- To avoid, deflect, or ward off (an attack, a blow, an argument, etc.).
Parry as a Noun
- A defensive or deflective action; an act of parrying.
- A simple defensive action designed to deflect an attack, performed with the forte of the blade.
- A defensive move intended to change the direction of an incoming strike to make it miss its intended target, rather than block and absorb it; and typically performed with an open hand in a downward or sideways slapping motion.
Synonyms of Parry
Parry synonyms and antonyms →Word Forms & Grammar
parry (third-person singular simple present parries, present participle parrying, simple past and past participle parried)
parry (plural parries)
Words That Rhyme With Parry
Origin of Parry
Origin 1: From earlier parree, from Middle English *parree, *paree, from Old French paree (“preparation, ceremony, parade”), from Medieval Latin parāta (“preparation, parade”), from parāre (“to ward off, guard, defend, prepare, get ready”). More at pare. The English verb is taken from the noun. Doublet of parade.
Origin 2: Alternative etymology derives the verb parry from French parez, the imperative form of parer (“to fend off”), ultimately from the Medieval Latin parāre. See above.
Pronouncing Parry
You say parry as /ˈpæɹ.i/. It has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (pæɹ).
Parry: Your Questions Answered
Is parry a verb or a noun?
Parry is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for parry?
Close synonyms of parry are elude, circumvent and deflect. See the full list of parry synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of parry?
The plural of parry is parries.
What is the past tense of parry?
The past tense of parry is parried. The present participle is parrying.