Parry
/ˈpæri/noun
To deflect or ward off a blow, attack, or question.
Did you know?Parry entered English through French fencing vocabulary, ultimately from a root connected to preparing or making ready, so the word carries the energy of bracing for impact.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*per-
“To produce, procure, or bring forth; a root behind making things ready.”
Latin
Latin
parāre
“To prepare, procure, or make ready.”
Old French
Old French
parer
“To adorn, equip, or defend; in fencing, to ward off a blow.”
14th Century
English
parien / parryen
“To ward off or deflect an attack, especially with a sword.”
Modern English
English
parry
“To deflect or ward off a blow, attack, or question.”