ebb

ebb1 [ eb ] noun singular

1. ) ebb or ebb tide the process in which the ocean level on a coast becomes lower

2. ) a period when something gradually becomes smaller or less:

an apparent ebb in the fighting

be at/reach (a) low ebb

to be in a very small, weak, or unsuccessful state:

My confidence was at its lowest ebb.

the ebb and flow

1. ) the way that a situation keeps changing between two states, for example in a game, fight, or argument:

the constant ebb and flow of popular opinion

2. ) a situation in which something keeps becoming larger or stronger, and then smaller or weaker:

the ebb and flow of their political power

ebb

ebb 2 [ eb ] verb intransitive MAINLY LITERARY

1. ) if the TIDE ebbs, the ocean's level on a coast gradually becomes lower. A more usual word is go out.

2. ) to gradually become smaller or less

ebb and flow

1. ) to keep becoming smaller or weaker and then larger or stronger:

Enthusiasm for reform ebbed and flowed.

2. ) to keep changing between two states:

The battle ebbed and flowed around them.