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.
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.