Block vs. Parry: What's the Difference?

Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.

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.

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.

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.

Comparison Chart

Primary Meaning

To obstruct or stop.

To deflect or evade.

Contextual Use

Physical barriers, conversations, sports.

Fencing, debates, strategic maneuvers.

Form

Noun, verb.

Origin

Old French "bloc" (log or block).

French "parer" (to prepare, ward off).

Expression

"Block the path."

"Parry the question."

Block and Parry Definitions

Block

A solid piece of material with flat sides.

She placed a wooden block on the table.

Parry

A countermove to redirect a blow in martial arts.

The fighter parried his opponent's punch.

Block

To obstruct or hinder.

The road was blocked by a fallen tree.

Parry

A skillful and often subtle deflection.

His ability to parry criticism is remarkable.

Block

A solid piece of a hard substance, such as wood, having one or more flat sides.

Parry

A defensive move in fencing to deflect an attack.

She made a quick parry with her foil.

Block

Such a piece used as a construction member or as a support.

Parry

To evade or dodge a question or challenge.

He parried the journalist's probing question.

Block

Such a piece upon which chopping or cutting is done

A butcher's block.

Parry

To ward off or prevent.

She parried his advances at the party.

Block

Such a piece upon which persons are beheaded.

Parry

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

Block

One of a set of small wooden or plastic pieces, such as a cube, bar, or cylinder, used as a building toy.

Parry

To deflect, evade, or avoid

He skillfully parried the question with a clever reply.

Block

(Printing) A large amount of text.

Parry

To deflect or ward off a thrust or blow.

Block

(Sports) A starting block.

Parry

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

Block

A stand from which articles are displayed and sold at an auction

Many priceless antiques went on the block.

Parry

An evasive answer or action.

Block

A mold or form on which an item is shaped or displayed

A hat block.

Parry

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

Block

A substance, such as wood or stone, that has been prepared for engraving.

Parry

A defensive or deflective action; an act of parrying.

Block

A pulley or a system of pulleys set in a casing.

Parry

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

Block

An engine block.

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.

Block

A bloc.

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.

Block

A set of like items, such as shares of stock, sold or handled as a unit.

Parry

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

The French government has parried the payment of our claims.

Block

A group of four or more unseparated postage stamps forming a rectangle.

Parry

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

Block

(Canadian) A group of townships in an unsurveyed area.

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.

Block

A usually rectangular section of a city or town bounded on each side by consecutive streets.

Parry

A return punch (especially by a boxer)

Block

A segment of a street bounded by consecutive cross streets and including its buildings and inhabitants.

Parry

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

Block an attack

Block

A large building divided into separate units, such as apartments.

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

Block

A length of railroad track controlled by signals.

Block

Something that obstructs; an obstacle

The disabled car formed a block in traffic.

Block

(Sports) An act of bodily obstruction, as of a player or the ball.

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.

Block

(Medicine) Interruption or obstruction of a physiological function

Nerve block.

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.

Block

(Slang) The human head

Threatened to knock my block off.

Block

To stop or impede the passage of or movement through; obstruct

Block traffic.

Mud that blocked the pipe.

Block

To prevent from happening, succeeding, or progressing

Blocked every attempt to reform the rules.

Block

To shut out from view

A curtain blocking the stage.

Block

To stop the passage of (a motion or bill) in a legislative assembly.

Block

(Sports) To prevent or slow the movement of (an opponent) by using one's body, as by making a block in football.

Block

(Sports) To stop or deflect (a ball or puck) by using one's body.

Block

(Medicine) To interrupt or obstruct the functioning of (a physiological process), especially by the use of drugs.

Block

(Psychology) To fail to remember.

Block

To support, strengthen, or retain in place by means of a block.

Block

To shape, mold, or form with or on a block

Block a hat.

Block

To indicate broadly without great detail; sketch. Often used with out

Block out a plan of action.

Block out stage movements.

Block

To run (trains) on a block system.

Block

To obstruct the movement of an opponent by using one's body.

Block

To stop or deflect a ball or puck by using one's body.

Block

To suffer a mental block. Often used with on

I blocked on his name.

Block

A substantial, often approximately cuboid, piece of any substance.

A block of ice, a block of stone

Block

A chopping block: a cuboid base for cutting or beheading.

Anne Boleyn placed her head on the block and awaited her execution.

Block

A wig block: a simplified head model upon which wigs are worn.

Block

A mould on which hats, bonnets, etc., are shaped.

Block

A piece of hard wood on which a stereotype or electrotype plate is mounted.

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.

Block

A section of split logs used as fuel.

Block

A set of sheets (of paper) joined together at one end, forming a cuboid shape.

A block of 100 tickets

Block

(falconry) The perch on which a bird of prey is kept.

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

Block

(philately) A joined group of four (or in some cases nine) postage stamps, forming a roughly square shape.

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.

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

Block

(computing) A logical data storage unit containing one or more physical sectors (see cluster).

Block

(programming) A region of code in a program that acts as a single unit, such as a function or loop.

Block

(cryptography) A fixed-length group of bits making up part of a message.

Block

(chemistry) A portion of a macromolecule, comprising many units, that has at least one feature not present in adjacent portions.

Block

(rail) A section of a railroad where the block system is used.

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.

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.

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.

Block

A roughly cuboid building.

A block of flats, a tower block, an office block, a toilet block, a shower block

Block

A cellblock.

Block

Something that prevents something from passing.

There's a block in the pipe that means the water can't get through.

Block

Interference or obstruction of cognitive processes.

A mental block

Writer's block

Block

(sports) An action to interfere with the movement of an opposing player or of the object of play (ball, puck).

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.

Block

(slang) The human head.

I'll knock your block off!

Block

(UK) Solitary confinement.

Block

(obsolete) A blockhead; a stupid fellow; a dolt.

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!

Block

(transitive) To prevent (something or someone) from passing.

A broken-down car is blocking the traffic.

Block

(transitive) To prevent (something from happening or someone from doing something).

His plan to take over the business was blocked by the boss.

Block

To impede (an opponent or opponent's play).

He blocked the basketball player's shot.

The offensive linemen tried to block the blitz.

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.

Block

To hit with a block.

Block

To play a block shot.

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.

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.

Block

To wait for some condition to become true.

When the condition expression is false, the thread blocks on the condition variable.

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.

Block

(transitive) To shape or sketch out roughly.

When drawing a scene, first block the main features, and then fill in the detail.

Block

To knock (a person's hat) down over their eyes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Block

The perch on which a bird of prey is kept.

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.

Block

A piece of box or other wood for engravers' work.

Block

A piece of hard wood (as mahogany or cherry) on which a stereotype or electrotype plate is mounted to make it type high.

Block

A blockhead; a stupid fellow; a dolt.

What a block art thou !

Block

A section of a railroad where the block system is used. See Block system, below.

Block

In Australia, one of the large lots into which public land, when opened to settlers, is divided by the government surveyors.

Block

The position of a player or bat when guarding the wicket.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Block

To shape on, or stamp with, a block; as, to block a hat.

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.

Block

A solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides);

The pyramids were built with large stone blocks

Block

A rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings;

He lives in the next block

Block

A three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides

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

Block

Housing in a large building that is divided into separate units;

There is a block of classrooms in the west wing

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

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

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

Block

A metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine;

The engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked

Block

An obstruction in a pipe or tube;

We had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe

Block

A platform from which an auctioneer sells;

They put their paintings on the block

Block

(American football) the act of obstructing someone's path with your body;

He threw a rolling block into the line backer

Block

Render unsuitable for passage;

Block the way

Barricade the streets

Stop the busy road

Block

Hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of;

His brother blocked him at every turn

Block

Stop from happening or developing;

Block his election

Halt the process

Block

Interfere with or prevent the reception of signals;

Jam the Voice of America

Block the signals emitted by this station

Block

Run on a block system;

Block trains

Block

Interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia;

Block a nerve

Block a muscle

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

Block

Stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block;

Block the book cover

Block

Obstruct;

My nose is all stuffed

Her arteries are blocked

Block

Block passage through;

Obstruct the path

Block

Support, secure, or raise with a block;

Block a plate for printing

Block the wheels of a car

Block

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

Block an attack

Block

Be unable to remember;

I'm drawing a blank

You are blocking the name of your first wife!

Block

Shape by using a block;

Block a hat

Block a garment

Block

Shape into a block or blocks;

Block the graphs so one can see the results clearly

Block

Prohibit the conversion or use of (assets);

Blocked funds

Freeze the assets of this hostile government

Block

A group of buildings bounded by streets.

They live two blocks away from the school.

Block

An interval of time allocated for a particular purpose.

His work block is from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Block

To stop or restrict data flow.

The software blocks unwanted ads.

FAQs

What's the primary action implied by "Block"?

To obstruct or stop.

How does "Parry" relate to fencing?

It's a defensive move to deflect an opponent's attack.

Can "Block" refer to physical objects?

Yes, like a block of wood or a city block.

In debates, how is "Parry" used?

It means to tactfully deflect or evade a point.

Is "Block" exclusive to physical barriers?

No, it can also refer to time intervals or blocking data.

Are there digital contexts for "Block"?

Yes, like software that blocks ads.

How does "Parry" relate to martial arts?

It's a move to redirect a blow, minimizing its impact.

Can "Block" be both a noun and a verb?

Yes, you can have a block (noun) or block something (verb).

Is "Parry" always a defensive term?

Predominantly, it refers to evading or deflecting defensively.

What's a typical expression using "Block"?

"Don't block my view."

What's the origin of "Parry"?

It comes from the French word "parer" meaning to ward off.

Can "Parry" be used in non-combat contexts?

Yes, such as parrying criticisms or advances.

What does it mean to "Parry a question"?

To tactfully avoid or deflect the question.

Can you "Block" someone in communication contexts?

Yes, like blocking a phone number or social media user.

Which term indicates more forcefulness, "Block" or "Parry"?

"Block" often indicates more forcefulness or directness.

Explanatory vs. Illuminatory

Ball vs. Guts

About Author

Written by

Janet White

Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.

Edited by

Harlon Moss

Harlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.