polemic

po·lem·ic

noun \pə-ˈle-mik\

Definition of POLEMIC

1

a : an aggressive attack on or refutation of the opinions or principles of another

b : the art or practice of disputation or controversy —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction

2

: an aggressive controversialist : disputant

— po·lem·i·cist \-ˈle-mə-sist\ noun

Examples of POLEMIC

1. Her book is a fierce polemic against the inequalities in our society.
2. They managed to discuss the issues without resorting to polemics.

Origin of POLEMIC

French polémique, from Middle French, from polemique controversial, from Greek polemikos warlike, hostile, from polemos war; perhaps akin to Greek pelemizein to shake, Old English ealfelo baleful

First Known Use: 1638

Rhymes with POLEMIC

endemic, pandemic, sachemic, systemic, totemic