undertow

noun un·der·tow \ ˈən-dər-ˌtō \

Updated on: 25 Mar 2018

Definition of undertow

1 : the current beneath the surface that sets seaward or along the beach when waves are breaking upon the shore

2 : an underlying current, force, or tendency that is in opposition to what is apparent

See undertow defined for English-language learners

See undertow defined for kids

Examples of undertow in a Sentence

Don't get caught in the undertow.

Recent Examples of undertow from the Web

On the evidence of Tuesday’s primary, the undertow of liberalism remains far too strong in America’s second most populous state for heady Democratic predictions of flipping a red state blue to come true this year.

— karl rove, WSJ, "Democrats Sing the Texas Blues," 7 Mar. 2018
Then-associate head coach Chuck Person was caught in the undertow of the FBI's investigation into the criminal influence of money on college basketball, arrested on Sept. 26 and charged with bribery and conspiracy.

— tom green, AL.com, "No. 14 Auburn clinches share of 1st SEC title since 1999," 10 Mar. 2017
As the '80s melted into the '90s, the sounds of new wave receded like undertow, with Depeche Mode stylishly sinking into the darkness.

— chris richards, Anchorage Daily News, "Setting the records straight: A do-over for the Grammys’ album of the year," 27 Jan. 2018
These criticisms were taken seriously by members of both parties and formed the basis for a consistent undertow of bipartisan disapproval, especially among business and media elites.

— jonathan chait, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump Hasn’t Destroyed Obama’s Legacy. He’s Revealed How Impressive It Was.," 22 Jan. 2018
Ostensibly, she had been saved from the undertow of poverty, raised within reach of positive influences and given a real chance at a prosperous future.

— leila atassi, cleveland.com, "The most resilient woman you've never met, Contessa Korper: A Greater Cleveland (revisited)," 26 Dec. 2017
The property is set on one of Cabo’s only swimmable beaches; the riptides and undertow elsewhere are no bueno.

— david hochman, Los Angeles Magazine, "Why Cabo Should Be Your First Travel Goal of 2018," 21 Dec. 2017
CBS San Francisco reports three children were playing in shallow water around 2:30 p.m. Sunday when a strong undertow swept a boy out to sea off the coast of Goat Rock State Beach.

— CBS News, "Father, son drown when undertow takes them out to sea off California coast," 18 Dec. 2017
So gay men are particularly vulnerable to drowning, or at least getting swept up, in the undertow of testosterone.

— andrew sullivan, Daily Intelligencer, "The Assault on Mueller," 15 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'undertow.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of undertow

1817

UNDERTOW Defined for English Language Learners

undertow

noun

Definition of undertow for English Language Learners

: a current in the sea or ocean that is below the surface and that moves away from the shore

UNDERTOW Defined for Kids

undertow

noun un·der·tow \ ˈən-dər-ˌtō \

Definition of undertow for Students

: a current beneath the surface of the water that moves away from or along the shore while the surface water above it moves toward the shore

Learn More about undertow

See words that rhyme with undertow Spanish Central: Translation of undertow Nglish: Translation of undertow for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about undertow

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undertow

Definition of undertow

Examples of undertow in a Sentence

Recent Examples of undertow from the Web

First Known Use of undertow

UNDERTOW Defined for English Language Learners

undertow

Definition of undertow for English Language Learners

UNDERTOW Defined for Kids

undertow

Definition of undertow for Students

Learn More about undertow

Seen and Heard

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undertow

Definition of undertow

Examples of undertow in a Sentence

Recent Examples of undertow from the Web

First Known Use of undertow

UNDERTOW Defined for English Language Learners

undertow

Definition of undertow for English Language Learners

UNDERTOW Defined for Kids

undertow

Definition of undertow for Students

Learn More about undertow

Seen and Heard

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