parry
     n : a return punch (especially by a boxer) [syn: {counterpunch},
          {counter}]
     v 1: impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball); "block an
          attack" [syn: {block}, {deflect}]
     2: 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"
        [syn: {hedge}, {fudge}, {evade}, {put off}, {circumvent},
        {elude}, {skirt}, {dodge}, {duck}, {sidestep}]
     [also: {parried}]
Source: WordNet® 2.0