rip current

noun

1. undertow.

rip current

1. A strong, narrow surface current that flows rapidly away from the shore. Rip currents form when excess water that has accumulated along a shore due to wind and waves rushes back suddenly to deeper waters.

2. Also called rip tide

Word History and Origins

Origin of rip current¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

While it is not expected to make landfall in the U.S., its effects are far-reaching, with life-threatening rip currents and surf along much of the East Coast that makes swimming dangerous.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But those looking to flock to the coast during the holiday weekend should also be on alert: a south swell at the beach could create dangerously strong rip currents.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

However, the incoming system will affect surf conditions, bringing an increased likelihood for dangerous rip currents Thursday and Friday.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

People visiting Wales' beaches and coasts over the bank holiday weekend are being warned about the possibility of unusually large waves and dangerous sea conditions after a series of rip current rescues.

Read more on BBC

At least 60 people were rescued at the same beach from rip currents on Monday.

Read more on BBC