1. (

• parry ,
• block ,
• deflect

) impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball); "block an attack" ;

2. (

• hedge ,
• fudge ,
• evade ,
• put_off ,
• circumvent ,
• parry ,
• elude ,
• skirt ,
• dodge ,
• duck ,
• sidestep

) 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" ;