undertow
un-der-tow
noun
A strong current below the sea's surface, pulling things away from the shore.
"Swimmers must be aware of the dangerous undertow."
noun
An underlying, often hidden, feeling or influence contrary to the apparent mood.
"An undertow of anxiety was present in the room."
Thesaurus
Synonyms: sea-puss, sea-poose, sea-purse, sea purse, sea puss