Parry vs. Riposte — What's the Difference?

To deflect or ward off (a fencing thrust, for example).

In fencing, a riposte (French for "retort") is an offensive action with the intent of hitting one's opponent made by the fencer who has just parried an attack. In military usage, a riposte is the strategic device of hitting a vulnerable point of the enemy, thereby forcing him to abandon his own attack.In everyday language, a riposte is synonymous with a retort and describes a quick and witty reply to an argument or an insult.

To deflect, evade, or avoid

(Sports) A quick thrust given after parrying an opponent's lunge in fencing.

To deflect or ward off a thrust or blow.

A retaliatory action, maneuver, or retort.

The deflecting or warding off of a thrust or blow, as in fencing.

To make a return thrust.

An evasive answer or action.

To retort quickly.

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

(fencing) A thrust given in return after parrying an attack.

A defensive or deflective action; an act of parrying.

(by extension) A counter-attack in any combat or any sport

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

(figurative) A quick and usually witty response to a taunt.

(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.

An answer or reply, rapidly uttered, in response to a question or problem.

To ward off; to stop, or to turn aside; as, to parry a thrust, a blow, or anything that means or threatens harm.

(fencing) To attempt to hit an opponent after parrying an attack.

To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade.

To respond quickly; particularly if the response is humorous.

To ward off, evade, or turn aside something, as a blow, argument, etc.

A quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one);

A warding off of a thrust or blow, as in sword and bayonet exercises or in boxing; hence, figuratively, a defensive movement in debate or other intellectual encounter.

Answer back

A return punch (especially by a boxer)

Impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball);

Avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues);