First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1ebb
noun \ˈeb\
: the time when the tide flows out from the land
: a low point or condition : a condition of weakness, failure, etc.
Full Definition of EBB
1
: the reflux of the tide toward the sea
2
: a point or condition of decline <our spirits were at a low ebb>
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Origin of EBB
Middle English ebbe, from Old English ebba; akin to Middle Dutch ebbe ebb, Old English of from — more at of
Related to EBB
- Synonyms
- decadence, declension, declination, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, dégringolade, descent, deterioration, devolution, downfall, downgrade, decline, eclipse, fall
2ebb
verb
of a tide : to flow outward from the land
: to get worse
Full Definition of EBB
intransitive 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 <his popularity ebbed>
See ebb defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of EBB
before 12th century
Related to EBB
- Synonyms
- atrophy, crumble, decay, decline, degenerate, descend, devolve, deteriorate, regress, retrograde, rot, sink, worsen
- Antonyms
- ameliorate, improve, meliorate
Synonym Discussion of EBB
abate, subside, wane, ebb mean to die down in force or intensity. abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing <the storm abated>. subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation <the protests subsided after a few days>. wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive <waning enthusiasm>. ebb suggests the receding of something (as the tide) that commonly comes and goes <the ebbing of daylight>.
EBBING Defined for Kids
1ebb
noun \ˈeb\
Definition of EBB for Kids
1
: the flowing out of the tide
2
: a point reached after things have gotten worse <In the ebb of their fortunes, this sum was their total capital … — Jack London, The Call of the Wild>
2ebb
verb
ebbedebb·ing
Definition of EBB for Kids
1
: to flow out or away
2
: to get worse <His fortunes ebbed.>
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