polarize
playSimple Definition of polarize
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: to cause (people, opinions, etc.) to separate into opposing groups
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physics : to cause (something, such as light waves) to vibrate in a particular pattern
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physics : to cause (something) to have positive and negative charges : to give polarity to (something)
Full Definition of polarize
polarized
polarizing
transitive verb
1 : to cause (as light waves) to vibrate in a definite pattern
2 : to give physical polarity to
3 : to break up into opposing factions or groupings <a campaign that polarized the electorate>
4 : concentrate 1 <recreate a cohesive rock community by polarizing … an amorphous, fragmented audience — Ellen Willis>
intransitive verb
: to become polarized
Examples of polarize in a sentence
The war has polarized the nation.
The current debate polarizes along lines of class and race.
Origin and Etymology of polarize
French polariser, from New Latin polaris polar
First Known Use: 1811
Medical Dictionary
Variants of polarize
Learn More about polarize
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for polarize Spanish Central: Translation of polarize Nglish: Translation of polarize for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of polarize for Arabic speakers
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