parry

Noun

• a return punch (especially by a boxer)

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

Verb

• avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
  • He dodged the issue
    
  • she skirted the problem
    
  • They tend to evade their responsibilities
    
  • he evaded the questions skillfully
    

• impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
  • block an attack
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  counterpunch , counter , block , deflect