Riptide (noun)

1. A strong, often dangerous, current of water that flows away from the shore and perpendicular to it.
2. A powerful force that draws someone or something away from a desired path or destination.

Origin:

The term "riptide" is derived from "rip" meaning to tear or split, and "tide" meaning the movement of the ocean.

Examples:

1. The swimmer was caught in the riptide and couldn't swim back to shore.
2. She was trying to resist the riptide of her thoughts that were pulling her away from the present moment.
3. The boats were caught in the riptide and were being pulled out to sea.
4. The company was unable to escape the riptide of declining sales.
5. The tourists were warned not to swim too far from the shore because of the strong riptide.