to ward off (a thrust, stroke, weapon, etc.), as in fencing; avert.

to turn aside; evade or dodge

to parry an embarrassing question.

to parry a thrust, blow, etc.

an act or instance of parrying, as in fencing.

a defensive movement in fencing.

verb

deal with , face , meet

verb

anticipate , avoid , block , bypass , deflect , dodge , duck * , elude , evade , fence * , fend off , forestall , hold at bay , preclude , prevent , rebuff , rebuke , repel , repulse , resist , shirk , shun , sidestep , stave off , beat off , fend , keep off , ward off , avert , circumvent , ward