Ebb word meaning and definition

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

\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.

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