parry - noun

(fencing) blocking a lunge or deflecting it with a circular motion of the sword

a return punch (especially by a boxer)

parry - verb

• impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
• avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)

parry - thesaurus

block   circumvent   counter   counterpunch   deflect   dodge   duck   elude   evade   fudge   hedge   sidestep   skirt