Tide-bound describes a situation or condition where movement, access, or activity is restricted or limited by the cyclical rise and fall of the tides. It signifies a dependence on the tides for navigation, transportation, or operational feasibility. This constraint can affect various aspects, including the ability to reach certain locations, the timing of specific tasks, and the accessibility of coastal areas. Essentially, something tide-bound is governed by the ebb and flow of the ocean's waters, making actions or progress contingent upon the tidal cycle. It highlights an interplay between human activities and natural oceanic forces, emphasizing the power of tides and their influence on time-sensitive matters, often creating both opportunity and obstacle, depending on the context of the action at hand.
Tide-bound meaning with examples
- The small fishing village was completely tide-bound. Locals knew to bring in their boats and nets, only able to return to the open sea when the water reached the optimal height. Their livelihood was dictated by the ocean's rhythm, as travel to other communities was impossible until the tides rose sufficiently to cross the sandbanks. The inhabitants have to become extremely familiar with the ocean's schedule.
- The construction project on the coastal causeway was perpetually tide-bound, meaning the workers could only access the lower sections of the structure during low tide. This inevitably resulted in costly delays as the ocean and its tide constantly imposed constraints on their progress. The builders were required to synchronize their construction tasks with the tidal charts for months.
- The researchers attempting to survey the marine life within the reef system found themselves repeatedly tide-bound. High tides made their desired spots inaccessible, and their operations had to be carefully timed to take advantage of the fleeting window of the low tide. The team often had to wait for extended periods for the optimum conditions.
- Rescuing the stranded sailors became a race against the clock, because of the tide-bound reef, which made getting the rescue boat through impossible during high tide. The tide was beginning to rise; the urgency of the situation was critical. Without a clear plan and quick actions, there may have been dire consequences.
- The coastal shipping route was severely affected by the tide-bound harbor entrance. Vessels were forced to wait for the tides to be high enough to navigate the shallow channel safely. This greatly increased the duration of cargo transport as cargo ships were compelled to carefully watch the time tables.