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ebb Definition

ebb (eb)

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

ebb Synonyms

ebb

n.

recession, decline, outward flow, shrinkage, wane, waste, reflux, reduction, lessening, ebb tide, diminution, abatement, regression, withdrawal, decrease, depreciation, decay, falling-off.

Antonyms flow, increase*, rise.

ebb Synonyms

ebb

v.

recede, subside, abate, retire, flow back, sink, decline, decrease, drop off, melt, fall away, peter out, wane, languish, fall off, decay, dwindle.

Antonyms flow*, rise*, increase. See syn. study at wane.wane.

ebb Usage Examples

Object

tide: Lloyd was right - the fishing there had dropped off with the last of the ebbing tide.

Converse of object

  • watch: Watching the everyday ebb and flow of harbor life is a perfect way to spend a day in Padstow.
  • reach: The Axis alliance as such had again reached low ebb.

Adjective modifier

  • low: He was at the lowest ebb I've ever seen him " .
  • tidal: Estuary - The mouth of a river where it broadens into the sea and within which there is tidal ebb and flow.
  • natural: The trick is to catch them at their peak and relinquish them wholly at their natural ebb.

Modifies a noun

  • tide: There was a strong ebb tide with 15 feet of water.
  • velocity: The flood velocity ratio is 1.1 and the ebb velocity ratio is 0.9.
  • flow: In a search for something to set the pulse racing we chose Cuan Sound at maximum ebb flow for the second dive.
  • current: Flood dominance: A tidal oscillation in velocity that has flood currents greater than ebb currents.
  • stage: In the ebb stage of any movement of God's Spirit, we will experience the desert.

Modifying Another Word

  • away: The crowds are starting to ebb away from Center Court.
  • gently: Eventually we locked out on a fairly gently ebbing tide at 12.20.
  • slowly: As I watched the life slowly ebb from my parents, so too did the life ebb from me.
  • gradually: The drugs have gone a long way in alleviating the pains, but I still feel my life gradually ebbing away.
  • fast: Can she see How the earth's face is scarred, her life ebbing fast?

Noun used with modifier

tide: Superb views from the front windows over the width of the Solway Firth with colors changing as the tides ebb and low.

Followed by a transitive particle

away: The soothing aspects of water can help ebb away the day's tensions, as well as provide a good aerobic workout.

Preposition: of

tide: Attempts were made to stem the ebbing of the tide in vain.

Followed by an intransitive particle

away: But the game quickly ebbed away from the home side.