undertow
noun /ˈʌndətəʊ/
/ˈʌndərtəʊ/
[usually singular]- a current in the sea or ocean that moves in the opposite direction to the water near the surface
- The children were carried out to sea by the strong undertow.
- undertow (of something) a feeling or quality that influences people in a particular situation even though they may not really be aware of it