Parry

Part of speech: noun (n.)

A warding off of a thrust or blow, as in sword and bayonet exercises or in boxing; hence, figuratively, a defensive movement in debate or other intellectual encounter.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To ward off; to stop, or to turn aside; as, to parry a thrust, a blow, or anything that means or threatens harm. Locke. Vice parries wide The undreaded volley with a sword of straw. Cowper.

2. To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade. The French government has parried the payment of our claims. E. Everett.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To ward off, evade, or turn aside something, as a blow, argument, etc. Locke.