undertow Hear it!

undertow Definition

under·tow (un′dər tō′)

noun

a current of water moving beneath and in a different direction from that of the surface water: said esp. of a seaward current beneath breaking surf

Etymology: under- + tow

undertow Synonyms

undertow

n.

eddy, maelstrom, whirlpool, undercurrent, indraft, vortex, reflex, surge, turbulence, riptide; see also flow, tide.

undertow Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • have: This genre of literature, fusing so many modes of inquiry and imagination, has a political undertow - even a political purpose.
  • feel: It is there when I enter a classroom and feel the undertow into which I have jumped.

Adjective modifier

  • dark: And beneath it all is a dark undertow of family dislocation, fear of the unknown and protection of one's own.
  • strong: Watch your children on the beaches, there are some strong undertows.
  • dangerous: When the sluices are open dangerous undertows may be encountered in the pens.
  • political: This genre of literature, fusing so many modes of inquiry and imagination, has a political undertow - even a political purpose.