Parry (verb)

1. To fend off (an attack) with a weapon or the hand.
2. To evade or avoid (a question or blow) by a sudden shift of position.

Origin:

Middle english perren, from old french perrer to push, thrust, of germanic origin.

Examples:

1. He parried the sword thrust with his shield.
2. She parried the question by changing the subject.
3. He was trained to parry punches and kicks.
4. The boxer was able to parry the punches and deliver counterpunches.
5. The lawyer was able to parry the prosecutor's accusations with a well-prepared defense.