ebb

/ˈeb/

Middle English ebbe, from Old English ebba; akin to Middle Dutch ebbe ebb, Old English of from

noun

  1. the reflux of the tide toward the sea

  2. a point or condition of decline

verb

  1. to recede from the flood

  2. to fall from a higher to a lower level or from a better to a worse state

abate subside wane ebb mean to die down in force or intensity. abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing. subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation.

noun

  1. the tide while ebbing or at ebb

  2. a period or state of decline