Block vs. Parry: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Block" refers to obstructing or stopping, while "Parry" means to deflect or evade, especially in fencing or a debate.
Key Differences
"Block" and "Parry" are terms often associated with defense but in differing manners. To "Block" is to directly stop, prevent, or obstruct something from progressing. It implies a forceful halt, like a blockade or a wall. On the other hand, "Parry" involves more finesse, often referring to a deflection or evasion. In fencing, for instance, a parry is a swift move to deflect an opponent's blade.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
The nuances between "Block" and "Parry" also emerge in non-physical contexts. In conversation, one might block an argument by outright rejecting it. Meanwhile, to parry in a debate is to tactfully deflect a point, maybe by bringing up a counterargument. This distinction showcases the bluntness of a block versus the subtlety of a parry.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
In physical contexts, like sports or martial arts, a block is often used to stop an incoming strike using one's body or equipment, absorbing the impact. In contrast, a parry redirects the force, minimizing the brunt of the blow and potentially positioning oneself for a counterattack.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
At their core, both "Block" and "Parry" are defensive mechanisms. Yet, while blocking showcases strength and sturdiness, parrying exemplifies agility and strategic foresight. Whether in physical confrontations, discussions, or games, these terms highlight different approaches to defense.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Contextual Use
Physical barriers, conversations, sports.
Fencing, debates, strategic maneuvers.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Origin
Old French "bloc" (log or block).
French "parer" (to prepare, ward off).
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Block and Parry Definitions
Block
A solid piece of material with flat sides.
She placed a wooden block on the table.
Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
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Parry
A countermove to redirect a blow in martial arts.
The fighter parried his opponent's punch.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Parry
A skillful and often subtle deflection.
His ability to parry criticism is remarkable.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
Block
A solid piece of a hard substance, such as wood, having one or more flat sides.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Parry
A defensive move in fencing to deflect an attack.
She made a quick parry with her foil.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
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Parry
To evade or dodge a question or challenge.
He parried the journalist's probing question.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
Block
One of a set of small wooden or plastic pieces, such as a cube, bar, or cylinder, used as a building toy.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Parry
To deflect, evade, or avoid
He skillfully parried the question with a clever reply.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A stand from which articles are displayed and sold at an auction
Many priceless antiques went on the block.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A substance, such as wood or stone, that has been prepared for engraving.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Parry
(fencing) A simple defensive action designed to deflect an attack, performed with the forte of the blade.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Parry
(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.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Parry
To ward off; to stop, or to turn aside; as, to parry a thrust, a blow, or anything that means or threatens harm.
Vice parries wideThe undreaded volley with a sword of straw.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A set of like items, such as shares of stock, sold or handled as a unit.
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Mar 29, 2023
Parry
To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade.
The French government has parried the payment of our claims.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A group of four or more unseparated postage stamps forming a rectangle.
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Mar 29, 2023
Parry
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A usually rectangular section of a city or town bounded on each side by consecutive streets.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A segment of a street bounded by consecutive cross streets and including its buildings and inhabitants.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Parry
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
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
Something that obstructs; an obstacle
The disabled car formed a block in traffic.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
(Football) An act of legally using one's body to obstruct or move a defensive player so that a player in possession of the ball may advance downfield, pass, or otherwise execute an offensive play.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
(Medicine) Interruption or obstruction of a physiological function
Nerve block.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
(Psychology) A sudden cessation of speech or a thought process without an immediate observable cause, sometimes considered a consequence of repression. Also called mental block.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
To stop or impede the passage of or movement through; obstruct
Block traffic.
Mud that blocked the pipe.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
To prevent from happening, succeeding, or progressing
Blocked every attempt to reform the rules.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
(Sports) To prevent or slow the movement of (an opponent) by using one's body, as by making a block in football.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
(Medicine) To interrupt or obstruct the functioning of (a physiological process), especially by the use of drugs.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
To indicate broadly without great detail; sketch. Often used with out
Block out a plan of action.
Block out stage movements.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A substantial, often approximately cuboid, piece of any substance.
A block of ice, a block of stone
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A chopping block: a cuboid base for cutting or beheading.
Anne Boleyn placed her head on the block and awaited her execution.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A piece of hard wood on which a stereotype or electrotype plate is mounted.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A case or frame housing one or more sheaves (pulleys), used with ropes to increase or redirect force, for example as part of lifting gear or a sailing ship's rigging. See also block and tackle.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A set of sheets (of paper) joined together at one end, forming a cuboid shape.
A block of 100 tickets
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A physical area or extent of something, often rectangular or approximately rectangular.
A block of text, a block of colour, a block of land
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Mar 29, 2023
Block
(philately) A joined group of four (or in some cases nine) postage stamps, forming a roughly square shape.
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Mar 29, 2023
Block
(viticulture) A discrete group of vines in a vineyard, often distinguished from others by variety, clone, canopy training method, irrigation infrastructure, or some combination thereof.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A logical extent or region; a grouping or apportionment of like things treated together as a unit.
A block of data, a block of seven days, a block reservation
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Mar 29, 2023
Block
(computing) A logical data storage unit containing one or more physical sectors (see cluster).
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Mar 29, 2023
Block
(programming) A region of code in a program that acts as a single unit, such as a function or loop.
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Mar 29, 2023
Block
(cryptography) A fixed-length group of bits making up part of a message.
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Mar 29, 2023
Block
(chemistry) A portion of a macromolecule, comprising many units, that has at least one feature not present in adjacent portions.
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Mar 29, 2023
Block
(computing) A contiguous range of Unicode code points used to encode characters of a specific type; can be of any size evenly divisible by 16, up to 65,536 (a full plane).
The "Specials" block comprises the sixteen codepoints from U+FFF0 through U+FFFF.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A contiguous group of urban lots of property, typically several acres in extent, not crossed by public streets.
I'm going for a walk around the block.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
The distance from one street to another in a city or suburb that is built (approximately) to a grid pattern.
The place you are looking for is two long blocks east and one short block north.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A roughly cuboid building.
A block of flats, a tower block, an office block, a toilet block, a shower block
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
Something that prevents something from passing.
There's a block in the pipe that means the water can't get through.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
Interference or obstruction of cognitive processes.
A mental block
Writer's block
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
(sports) An action to interfere with the movement of an opposing player or of the object of play (ball, puck).
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A temporary or permanent ban that prevents access to an online account or service, or connection to or from a designated telephone number, IP address, or similar.
The Wiktionary page-blanking vandal was hit with an indefinite block.
I've put a block on calls from that number.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
(transitive) To fill or obstruct (something) so that it is not possible to pass.
The pipe was blocked by leaves.
You're blocking the road – I can't get through!
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
(transitive) To prevent (something or someone) from passing.
A broken-down car is blocking the traffic.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
(transitive) To prevent (something from happening or someone from doing something).
His plan to take over the business was blocked by the boss.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
To impede (an opponent or opponent's play).
He blocked the basketball player's shot.
The offensive linemen tried to block the blitz.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
To specify the positions and movements of the actors for (a section of a play or film).
It was very difficult to block this scene convincingly.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
(transitive) To bar (someone undesirable) from connecting via telephone, instant messaging, etc., or from accessing an online account or service, or similar.
I tried to send you a message, but you've blocked me!
The user who started the edit war was blocked for a day to cool off.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
(transitive) To bar (a message or communication), or bar connection with (an online account or service, a designated telephone number, IP address, etc.).
They've blocked all calls to international numbers.
Most Internet services have been blocked.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
To wait for some condition to become true.
When the condition expression is false, the thread blocks on the condition variable.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
(transitive) To stretch or mould (a knitted item, a hat, etc.) into the desired shape.
I blocked the mittens by wetting them and pinning them to a shaped piece of cardboard.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
(transitive) To shape or sketch out roughly.
When drawing a scene, first block the main features, and then fill in the detail.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A piece of wood more or less bulky; a solid mass of wood, stone, etc., usually with one or more plane, or approximately plane, faces; as, a block on which a butcher chops his meat; a block by which to mount a horse; children's playing blocks, etc.
Now all our neighbors' chimneys smoke,And Christmas blocks are burning.
All her labor was but as a blockLeft in the quarry.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
The solid piece of wood on which condemned persons lay their necks when they are beheaded.
Noble heads which have been brought to the block.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
The wooden mold on which hats, bonnets, etc., are shaped.
He wears his faith but as the fashion of his hat; it ever changes with the next block.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A large or long building divided into separate houses or shops, or a number of houses or shops built in contact with each other so as to form one building; a row of houses or shops.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A square, or portion of a city inclosed by streets, whether occupied by buildings or not.
The new city was laid out in rectangular blocks, each block containing thirty building lots. Such an average block, comprising 282 houses and covering nine acres of ground, exists in Oxford Street.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A grooved pulley or sheave incased in a frame or shell which is provided with a hook, eye, or strap, by which it may be attached to an object. It is used to change the direction of motion, as in raising a heavy object that can not be conveniently reached, and also, when two or more such sheaves are compounded, to change the rate of motion, or to exert increased force; - used especially in the rigging of ships, and in tackles.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
Any obstruction, or cause of obstruction; a stop; a hindrance; an obstacle; - also called blockage; as, a block in the way; a block in an artery; a block in a nerve; a block in a biochemical pathway.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A piece of hard wood (as mahogany or cherry) on which a stereotype or electrotype plate is mounted to make it type high.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A section of a railroad where the block system is used. See Block system, below.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
In Australia, one of the large lots into which public land, when opened to settlers, is divided by the government surveyors.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A number of individual items sold as a unit; as, a block of airline ticketes; a block of hotel rooms; a block of stock.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
The length of one side of a city block{5}, traversed along any side; as, to walk three blocks ahead and turn left at the corner.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A halt in a mental process, especially one due to stress, memory lapse, confusion, etc.; as, a writer's block; to have a block in remembering a name.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A quantity of binary-encoded information transferred, or stored, as a unit to, from, or on a data storage device; as, to divide a disk into 512-byte blocks.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A number of locations in a random-access memory allocated to storage of specific data; as, to allocate a block of 1024 bytes for the stack.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
To obstruct so as to prevent passage or progress; to prevent passage from, through, or into, by obstructing the way; - used both of persons and things; - often followed by up; as, to block up a road or harbor; to block an entrance.
With moles . . . would block the port.
A city . . . besieged and blocked about.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
To secure or support by means of blocks; to secure, as two boards at their angles of intersection, by pieces of wood glued to each.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
To cause (any activity) to halt by creating an obstruction; as, to block a nerve impulse; to block a biochemical reaction with a drug.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides);
The pyramids were built with large stone blocks
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings;
He lives in the next block
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A number or quantity of related things dealt with as a unit;
He reserved a large block of seats
He held a large block of the company's stock
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
Housing in a large building that is divided into separate units;
There is a block of classrooms in the west wing
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
(computer science) a sector or group of sectors that function as the smallest data unit permitted;
Since blocks are often defined as a single sector, the terms `block' and `sector' are sometimes used interchangeably
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
An inability to remember or think of something you normally can do; often caused by emotional tension;
I knew his name perfectly well but I had a temporary block
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A simple machine consisting of a wheel with a groove in which a rope can run to change the direction or point of application of a force applied to the rope
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine;
The engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
An obstruction in a pipe or tube;
We had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A platform from which an auctioneer sells;
They put their paintings on the block
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
(American football) the act of obstructing someone's path with your body;
He threw a rolling block into the line backer
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
Render unsuitable for passage;
Block the way
Barricade the streets
Stop the busy road
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
Hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of;
His brother blocked him at every turn
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
Interfere with or prevent the reception of signals;
Jam the Voice of America
Block the signals emitted by this station
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
Interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia;
Block a nerve
Block a muscle
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Mar 29, 2023
Block
Shut out from view or get in the way so as to hide from sight;
The thick curtain blocked the action on the stage
The trees obstruct my view of the mountains
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
Stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block;
Block the book cover
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
Support, secure, or raise with a block;
Block a plate for printing
Block the wheels of a car
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
Be unable to remember;
I'm drawing a blank
You are blocking the name of your first wife!
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
Shape into a block or blocks;
Block the graphs so one can see the results clearly
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
Prohibit the conversion or use of (assets);
Blocked funds
Freeze the assets of this hostile government
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Block
A group of buildings bounded by streets.
They live two blocks away from the school.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
Block
An interval of time allocated for a particular purpose.
His work block is from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
FAQs
How does "Parry" relate to fencing?
It's a defensive move to deflect an opponent's attack.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Can "Block" refer to physical objects?
Yes, like a block of wood or a city block.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
In debates, how is "Parry" used?
It means to tactfully deflect or evade a point.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is "Block" exclusive to physical barriers?
No, it can also refer to time intervals or blocking data.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
How does "Parry" relate to martial arts?
It's a move to redirect a blow, minimizing its impact.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Can "Block" be both a noun and a verb?
Yes, you can have a block (noun) or block something (verb).
Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Is "Parry" always a defensive term?
Predominantly, it refers to evading or deflecting defensively.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
What's the origin of "Parry"?
It comes from the French word "parer" meaning to ward off.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
Can "Parry" be used in non-combat contexts?
Yes, such as parrying criticisms or advances.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
What does it mean to "Parry a question"?
To tactfully avoid or deflect the question.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Can you "Block" someone in communication contexts?
Yes, like blocking a phone number or social media user.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Which term indicates more forcefulness, "Block" or "Parry"?
"Block" often indicates more forcefulness or directness.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
