undertow

/ˈʌndərˌtoʊ/
noun
  1. A strong current of water moving beneath the surface of the sea or a river, often pulling away from the shore.
    • The lifeguard warned swimmers about the dangerous undertow near the pier.
    • He was caught in an undertow and had to swim parallel to the shore to escape.
    • Even though the waves looked calm, a powerful undertow made swimming difficult.
  2. A hidden force or influence that opposes or pulls against the main direction or feeling.
    • Her smile hid an undertow of resentment that she never expressed.
    • Beneath the cheerful party, there was an undertow of sadness after the news.
    • The economy's growth is strong, but an undertow of inflation worries investors.
Antonyms
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