undertow
/AH1 N D ER0 T OW0/noun
- 1
A short-range flow of water returning seaward from the waves breaking on the shore.
“A strong undertow may sweep a returning swimmer off their feet but it does not carry them far from the shore.”
- 2
(by extension) A feeling that runs contrary to one's normal one.
verb
- 1
To pull or tow under; drag beneath; pull down.
- 2
To pull down by, or as by, an undertow.
- 3
To flow or behave as an undertow.
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