noun
rip
A strong current of water.
A powerful rip carries the swimmer away from the beach.
Etymology
Origin uncertain. A rip current is associated with disturbed water, but its exact relationship to rippling or tearing is not established.
More examples
- Lifeguards warn swimmers about rips near the pier.
- We steer the boat clear of the rip.
- The warning sign says a strong rip can form here.
Forms
rip · rips
Similar words
- current
- A broader term that does not imply strong flow.
- rip current
- Specifically a narrow current flowing away from the shore.