Word Direct Answers

What does "ebb" mean?

Ebb: 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.

Additional senses

  1. 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.
  2. 3.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.
  3. 4.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.
  4. 5.To cause to flow back. [Obs.] Ford.
  5. 6.Receding; going out; falling; shallow; low. The water there is otherwise very low and ebb. Holland.

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