Definitions for: Ebb


[n] the outward flow of the tide
[n] a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
[v] fall away or decline; "The patient's strength ebbed away"
[v] hem in fish with stakes and nets so as to prevent them from going back into the sea with the ebb
[v] flow back or recede; "the tides ebbed at noon"



Webster (1913) Definition: Ebb, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The European bunting.


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.

Thou shoreless flood which in thy ebb and flow
Claspest the limits of morality! --Shelley.

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.

Painting was then at its lowest ebb. --Dryden.

Ebb and flow, the alternate ebb and flood of the tide;
often used figuratively.

This alternation between unhealthy activity and
depression, this ebb and flow of the industrial.
--A. T.
Hadley.


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.

That Power who bids the ocean ebb and flow. --Pope.

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

The hours of life ebb fast. --Blackmore.

Syn: To recede; retire; withdraw; decay; decrease; wane;
sink; lower.


Ebb, v. t.
To cause to flow back. [Obs.] --Ford.


Ebb, a.
Receding; going out; falling; shallow; low.

The water there is otherwise very low and ebb.
--Holland.

Synonyms: ebb away, ebb down, ebb off, ebb out, ebbing, reflux, wane

Antonyms: surge, tide

See Also: beleaguer, besiege, circumvent, decline, diminution, ebbtide, fall back, flow, flowing, hem in, recede, recede, retire, surround

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