riptide

/ˈrɪpˌtaɪd/
noun
  1. A strong, narrow current of water that flows quickly away from the shore, often dangerous for swimmers.
    • If you get caught in a riptide, swim parallel to the shore to escape.
    • The lifeguard warned everyone about the dangerous riptide near the pier.
    • A sudden riptide pulled the swimmer far out into the ocean.
  2. A powerful or uncontrollable force or situation that is difficult to resist.
    • She felt a riptide of emotions when she heard the news.
    • He struggled against the riptide of peer pressure in high school.
    • The company was swept away by a riptide of bad publicity.
What does "riptide" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean