online vocabulary.com

Undertow - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

An undertow is a strong underwater current flowing away from shore, often dangerous to swimmers. It can pull people out to sea even when waves are breaking toward land.

undertow

/ˈʌndərˌtoʊ/ /ˈʌndətəʊ/

Definition:

A strong current beneath the surface moving opposite to the surface current.

Synonyms:

undercurrent, riptide, backflow

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

surface current, calm water

Common Collocations:

dangerous undertow, strong undertow, ocean undertow

Derivatives:

undertows, undertowed

Usage Tips:

Use "undertow" to describe hidden dangers or opposing forces beneath a calm surface.

Common Phrases:

caught in the undertow, fight the undertow, undertow of emotions

Etymology:

From Dutch "onder" (under) + "tooi" (pull), referring to a pulling force beneath the water.

Examples:

  • 1. The swimmer struggled against the powerful undertow near the shore.
  • 2. Beachgoers were warned about the dangerous undertow after the storm.
  • 3. The poem described an undertow of sadness beneath her cheerful words.
  • 4. He felt an emotional undertow pulling him back into old habits.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS