1. The outward flow of the tide
   "Beachcombers waited for the ebb to search for seashells";
   - reflux
    
2. A gradual decline (in size, strength, power or number)
   "The ebb of the tide left shells scattered on the beach";
   - ebbing, wane

1. Flow back or recede
   "the tides ebbed at noon";
   - ebb away, ebb down, ebb out, ebb off
    
2. Fall away or decline
   "The patient's strength ebbed away"
    
3. Hem in fish with stakes and nets so as to prevent them from going back into the sea with the ebb
   "The fishermen ebbed the inlet to catch more fish"

Derived forms: ebbed, ebbs, ebbing

Type of: beleaguer, besiege, circumvent, decline, diminution, fall back, flow, flowing, hem in, recede, siege, surround

Part of: ebbtide

Encyclopedia: Ebb