undertow

American  

[uhn-der-toh] / ˈʌn dərˌtoʊ /

noun

1. the seaward, subsurface flow or draft of water from waves breaking on a beach.

2. any strong current below the surface of a body of water, moving in a direction different from that of the surface current.

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undertow British  

/ ˈʌndəˌtəʊ /

noun

1. the seaward undercurrent following the breaking of a wave on the beach

2. any strong undercurrent flowing in a different direction from the surface current

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undertow Scientific  

/ ŭn′dər-tō′ /

1. An underwater current flowing strongly away from shore. Undertows are generally caused by the seaward return of water from waves that have broken against the shore.

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Related Words

Undertow, underset, riptide are terms for a usually strong undercurrent in the ocean, contrary to the direction of surface water. Undertow and another nautical term, underset (a set or current contrary to the general set of the water, or contrary to the wind), came into notice early in the 19th century. The former is still in general use along the Atlantic coast; the latter now less well known. Rip, in use in the United States by the late 18th century, properly means a violently disturbed place in a body of water, usually by the meeting of opposing tides. Of recent years, in the form riptide, it has also been used, especially on the Pacific coast, to mean much the same as undertow, dangerous to bathers where heavy surf prevails.

Etymology

Origin of undertow

First recorded in 1810–20; under- + tow ¹

Explanation

If you're nervous about swimming in the ocean, it may be because you were warned as a child about the undertow, or strong current, that might pull you beneath the surface. When lifeguards or nervous parents talk about an undertow, they mean a rip current or rip tide, a channel that can form between breaking waves and has been known to pull swimmers rapidly out to sea. The term undertow isn't really accurate, since these currents won't pull you under the water. A figurative meaning of undertow is "underlying mood or feeling." For example, your festive birthday party might have an undertow of sadness if your best friend didn't show up.

Example Sentences

Defiant, emotional and life-affirming, the film presents us with endearing patriots who love their country but hate its leaders, sucking us into a riveting tale with a powerful undertow.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

They took a toll, onerously so, like an undertow at the ocean shoreline that yanks you down into the muddy sand underfoot, and my debt more than quadrupled.

From Salon • May 11, 2025

Earlier this week, Gerwig said she is open to the idea, if she can find an "undertow" for the film.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2024

Arpeggios glimmer around her; a boom-bap beat brings an undertow.

From New York Times • Feb. 23, 2024

A dark undertow threatened to pull her under, down to the horrible truth.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez

Related Words

• undercurrent