noun

1. the flow of water back toward the sea, as the tide falls
2. a weakening or lessening; decline the ebb of faith

Etymology: ME ebbe < OE ebba (common LowG, as in MLowG ebbe > Ger ebbe, OFris ebba) < Gmc *abjan, a going back < IE base *apo-, from, away from > off

intransitive verb

1. to flow back; recede, as the tide
2. to weaken or lessen; decline

Etymology: ME ebben < OE ebbian