noun
undertow
noun
1
A strong current beneath the surface of the water that pulls back out to sea after a wave breaks.
"Swimmers were warned about a dangerous undertow near the pier."
2
A hidden feeling or force that runs contrary to the more obvious mood or situation.
"Beneath the celebration there was an undertow of tension between the two families."
How to Use Undertow
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA pulling current under the water, or figuratively, a hidden feeling beneath the surface of a situation.
Common pairings
strong undertow
undertow of resentment
Word Forms
undertowed past tense, undertows plural, undertows singular
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Etymology
From under- plus tow, describing a current that tows or drags things beneath the surface.