polarizing

adjective

po·​lar·​iz·​ing ˈpō-lə-ˌrī-ziŋ 

: causing polarization: such as

a

: causing electromagnetic radiation and especially light waves to vibrate in a definite pattern

a camera lens equipped with a polarizing filter [= a filter that controls the passage of polarized light in order to reduce reflections, glare, etc.]

sunglasses with polarizing lenses

b

: causing a physical object (such as a particle or crystal) to enter a state of polarization

… applying a polarizing electric field to ferroelectric crystals …

—David Ritchie

c

: causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groupings

a polarizing political issue

As polarizing a figure as there is in the league, he is deified in L.A. and often detested elsewhere, yet not even his detractors can deny his talent or accomplishments.

—Chris Ballard

Our media's attention often spins around unnuanced, polarizing opinions and hasty, inflammatory statements.

—Heather Lanier

Examples of polarizing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the more polarizing court cases in recent memory is about to get the Hollywood treatment. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025

Yet for all his victories, Djokovic remains one of the sport’s most polarizing figures. —Don Yaeger, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Jussie Smollett has become one of Hollywood’s most polarizing figures. —Skyler Trepel Published, EW.com, 23 Aug. 2025

Perhaps the most polarizing name on the list, DeChambeau clinched the final automatic spot despite playing on the LIV Golf circuit, which does not offer world ranking points, yet. —Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polarizing

• advertising
• amortizing
• analyzing
• anodizing
• appetizing
• atomizing
• authorising
• authorizing
• carbonizing
• carburizing
• catalyzing
• centralising