parry

A defensive or deflective action; an act of parrying.

A simple defensive action designed to deflect an attack, performed with the forte of the blade.

(combat sports and martial arts) A defensive move intended to change the direction of an incoming strike to make it miss its intended target, rather than block and absorb it; and typically performed with an open hand in a downward or sideways slapping motion.

To avoid, deflect, or ward off (an attack, a blow, an argument, etc.).