ebb

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: ebbingwanerefluxebb awayebb downebb outebb off

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)Synonyms: ebbingwane
  2. the outward flow of the tideSynonyms: reflux

Verb (3)

  1. flow back or recede“the tides ebbed at noon”Synonyms: ebb awayebb downebb outebb off
  2. hem in fish with stakes and nets so as to prevent them from going back into the sea with the ebb
  3. fall away or decline“The patient's strength ebbed away”
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Ebb \Ebb\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Ebbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Ebbing.] [AS. ebbian; akin to D. & G. ebben, Dan. ebbe. See 2d Ebb.]

1.To flow back; to return, as the water of a tide toward the ocean; -- opposed to flow. [1913 Webster]

That Power who bids the ocean ebb and flow.— Pope.[1913 Webster]

2.To return or fall back from a better to a worse state; to decline; to decay; to recede. [1913 Webster]

The hours of life ebb fast.— Blackmore.

Syn: To recede; retire; withdraw; decay; decrease; wane; sink; lower. [1913 Webster]

Ebb \Ebb\ ([e^]b), n. (Zo["o]l.) The European bunting. [1913 Webster]
Ebb \Ebb\, n. [AS. ebba; akin to Fries. ebba, D. eb, ebbe, Dan. & G. ebbe, Sw. ebb, cf. Goth. ibuks backward; prob. akin to E. even.]

1.The reflux or flowing back of the tide; the return of the tidal wave toward the sea; -- opposed to flood; as, the boats will go out on the ebb. [1913 Webster]

Thou shoreless flood which in thy ebb and flow Claspest the limits of morality!— Shelley.[1913 Webster]

2.The state or time of passing away; a falling from a better to a worse state; low state or condition; decline; decay. "Our ebb of life." --Roscommon. [1913 Webster]

Painting was then at its lowest ebb.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

Ebb and flow, the alternate ebb and flood of the tide; often used figuratively. [1913 Webster]

This alternation between unhealthy activity and depression, this ebb and flow of the industrial.— A. T. Hadley.[1913 Webster]
Ebb \Ebb\, v. t. To cause to flow back. [Obs.] --Ford. [1913 Webster]
Ebb \Ebb\, a. Receding; going out; falling; shallow; low. [1913 Webster]

The water there is otherwise very low and ebb. --Holland. [1913 Webster]

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