the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon
"The rising tide pushed the small boat gently toward the sandy shore."
something that may increase or decrease (like the tides of the sea)
"a rising tide of popular interest"
there are usually two high and two low tides each day
"The coastal residents learned that they could expect two high and two low tides every single day."
The periodic change of the sea level, particularly when caused by the gravitational influence of the sun and the moon.
"The rising tide slowly washed over the rocky shore as the moon pulled on the ocean's waters."
In plain English: A tide is the regular rise and fall of ocean water caused by the pull of gravity from the moon and sun.
"The tide was high enough to wash over the rocky shore."
Usage: Use "tide" as a noun to describe the regular rise and fall of ocean water levels driven by celestial gravity, while using it as a verb only when referring to something being carried along by that movement. Avoid confusing this natural phenomenon with unrelated concepts like emotional waves unless explicitly metaphorical in context.
cause to float with the tide
"The heavy logs were caught in the current and drifted downstream, causing them to float with the tide until they washed ashore."
be carried with the tide
"The small boat was easily swept away and carried with the tide out to sea."
To cause to float with the tide; to drive or carry with the tide or stream.
"The tide of events turned against them when the rain finally started to fall."
To happen, occur.
In plain English: To tide means to help someone get through a difficult time until they can manage on their own again.
"The rising tide swept away the small boat left on the shore."
The word tide comes from Old English tīd, which originally meant "time." It is ultimately related to the concept of time itself through its roots in Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European languages.