1a. 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. Something that fluctuates like the waters of the tide: a rising tide of discontent. See synonyms at flow. 4. A time or season. Often used in combination: eventide; Christmastide; Shrovetide.5. A favorable occasion; an opportunity.
VERB:
Inflected forms: tid·ed, tid·ing, tides
INTRANSITIVE VERB:
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.
TRANSITIVE VERB:
To carry along with or as if with the tide.
PHRASAL VERB:
tide over To support through a difficult period: I asked for $100 to tide me over till payday.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old English td, division of time. See d- in Appendix I.
t
d
- in Appendix I.
