Undertow: meaning, definitions and examples

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undertow

 

[ ˈʌndətəʊ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in ocean

An undertow is a strong current of water below the surface that pulls objects and people downwards. It is typically caused by the interaction of waves, currents, and bottom topography.

Synonyms

rip current, rip tide, undercurrent

Examples of usage

  • The swimmer got caught in the undertow and was pulled out to sea.
  • It is important to be aware of the undertow when swimming in the ocean.
Context #2 | Noun

figurative

In a figurative sense, undertow can refer to a hidden force or influence that is not immediately apparent but can have a significant impact on a situation or decision.

Synonyms

hidden force, subtle influence, undercurrent

Examples of usage

  • There was an undertow of tension in the room, even though no one was speaking.
  • The political undertow of the election had far-reaching consequences.

Translations

Translations of the word "undertow" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ressaca

🇮🇳 अंतर्नदीय धारा

🇩🇪 Brandungsrückströmung

🇮🇩 arus bawah

🇺🇦 підводна течія

🇵🇱 prąd wsteczny

🇯🇵 離岸流

🇫🇷 courant d'arrachement

🇪🇸 resaca

🇹🇷 dip akıntısı

🇰🇷 역류

🇸🇦 تيار سفلي

🇨🇿 zpětný proud

🇸🇰 spätný prúd

🇨🇳 回流

🇸🇮 povratni tok

🇮🇸 undirstraumur

🇰🇿 кері ағыс

🇬🇪 დაბრუნების დინება

🇦🇿 geri axın

🇲🇽 resaca

Etymology

The word 'undertow' originated in the early 19th century from the combination of 'under' and 'tow', which referred to a current of water. It has been used to describe the phenomenon of a strong current below the surface of the water pulling objects downwards, as well as in a figurative sense to represent hidden forces or influences. The concept of undertow has been a common theme in literature and poetry, symbolizing unseen powers at work beneath the surface.

See also: tow, toward, tower, town.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,900 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.