Parry

To ward off; to stop, or to turn aside; as, to parry a thrust, a blow, or anything that means or threatens harm.

To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade.

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

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.