parry
transitive verb
definition 1: to deflect or knock aside (a blow or stroke), as with one’s weapon in fencing.
example: He parried every stroke of his opponent’s blade.
definition 2: to avoid or turn aside (an unwelcome question or the like).
example: The very reserved actress parried every attempt to probe into her private life.
Examples from Books
He then struck at me the second time, which blow I parried. (Civil War Experiences, Henry C. Meyer, 1911)
They gave him no reason for their appearance on Earth, and whenever the question came up Ixtl parried it adroitly. (Assassin, J.F. Bone, 1958)
“By the way, may I ask the identity of the Nipponese person, with your father?”
“How do you know he is my father?” she parried.
“I do not know. I merely thought he looked quite worthy of the honor.”
“While away with the rough, bad soldiers, you did not forget how to make graceful speeches,” she complimented him. (The Pride of Palomar, J.B. Kyne, 1921)