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n. 1. a. The periodic variation in the surface level of the oceans and of bays, gulfs, inlets, and estuaries, caused by gravitational attraction of the moon and sun. b. A specific occurrence of such a variation: awaiting the next high tide. c. Flood tide. 2. Tidal force. 3. a. Something that increases, decreases, or fluctuates like the waters of the tide: a rising tide of skepticism; the shifting tide of the battle. b. A large amount or number moving or occurring in a mass: an incoming tide of immigrants; a tide of angry letters. c. A surge of emotion: felt an irresistible tide of sympathy for the defendant. See Synonyms at flow. 4. A time or season. Often used in combination: eventide; Christmastide; Shrovetide. 5. A favorable occasion; an opportunity. v. tid·ed, tid·ing, tides v.intr. 1. To rise and fall like the tide. 2. Nautical To drift or ride with the tide: tided off the reef; tiding up the Hudson. v.tr. Phrasal Verb: To carry along with the tide. tide over To support through a difficult period: I asked for $100 to tide me over till payday. [Middle English, from Old English tīd, division of time; see dā- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]  (click for a larger image) tide1 (click for a larger image) tide1low tide (top) and high tide (bottom) at Laga Beach Ibarrangelu, Spain |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
intr.v. tid·ed, tid·ing, tides Archaic To betide; befall. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
