tided

tide ¹

 (tīd)

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.

To carry along with the tide.

Phrasal Verb:

tide over

To support through a difficult period: I asked for $100 to tide me over till payday.

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[Middle English, from Old English tīd, division of time; see dā- in Indo-European roots.]

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tide ²

 (tīd)

intr.v. tid·ed, tid·ing, tides Archaic

To betide; befall.

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[Middle English tiden, from Old English tīdan; see dā- in Indo-European roots.]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.