undertow
|un-der-tow|
🇺🇸
/ˈʌndərˌtoʊ/
🇬🇧
/ˈʌndətəʊ/
hidden force
Etymology
'undertow' originates from English, specifically the combination of 'under' and 'tow', where 'under' meant 'beneath' and 'tow' meant 'to pull'.
'undertow' has remained largely unchanged in its form and meaning since its inception in English.
Initially, it meant 'a current beneath the surface', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a subsurface current that is near shore and that pulls objects out to sea.
Swimmers should be cautious of the undertow when swimming in the ocean.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a hidden or underlying force or tendency, especially one that is contrary to the prevailing atmosphere.
There was an undertow of tension in the room despite the cheerful conversation.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/06/21 12:16