undertow

[US]/'ʌndətəʊ/
[UK]/'ʌndɚto/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. backwash; the seaward pull of water as waves recede

Phrases & Collocations

dangerous undertow

strong undertow warning

Example Sentences

The swimmer got caught in the undertow and struggled to stay afloat.

The beach had warning signs about the dangerous undertow.

Surfers should be aware of the undertow when entering the water.

The fishermen were cautious of the undertow while casting their nets.

The strong undertow made it difficult for the boat to dock at the pier.

Rescuers had to navigate through the undertow to reach the stranded swimmer.

The lifeguard warned beachgoers about the undertow and advised them to stay close to shore.

The diver felt the pull of the undertow as he descended deeper into the ocean.

After the storm, the undertow was particularly strong, making swimming dangerous.

Local surfers know how to navigate the undertow to catch the best waves.

Real-world Examples

And we know there is this dark undertow which is connecting us all globally.

Source: TED 2019 Annual Conference (Bilingual)

People often confuse undertow, which is actually a strong backwash and rip currents.

Source: WHO popular science short film

Return flow of the water down the beach is called backwash, which is commonly called undertow when the pull is strong.

Source: WHO popular science short film

As soon as they left the dock, the ship  almost collided with the USMS New York, which was pulled toward the ship by the strength  of the luxury liner's personal undertow.

Source: Charming history

In that central scene, an awareness of Robert's fragile ego, a sense of obligation to him and an undertow of dread—the old one-two of pity and fear—keep Margot in bed when she yearns to leave.

Source: The Economist Culture

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