polarize

verb

po·​lar·​ize ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce polarize (audio)
polarized; polarizing

transitive verb

1
: to cause to vibrate in a definite pattern
polarize light waves
2
: to give physical polarity to
3
: to break up into opposing factions or groupings
a campaign that polarized the electorate
4
: concentrate sense 1
recreate a cohesive rock community by polarizing … an amorphous, fragmented audienceEllen Willis

Examples of polarize in a Sentence

The war has polarized the nation. The current debate polarizes along lines of class and race.
Recent Examples on the Web But You actress noted might leave viewers polarized. Jen Juneau, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2024 The accusations are sure to further inflame division in Brazil, polarized by four years of Bolsonaro’s incendiary rhetoric, scientific denialism and hard-line conservative government policies. Marina Dias, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024 However, content moderation itself has become a polarizing topic and Musk has voiced opinions that place his approach within that hot-button political context, some experts previously told ABC News. Max Zahn, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2024 Around the world, nations have become deeply polarized. TIME, 18 Mar. 2024 Based on the real-life exploits of the titular outlaws, the film entranced the younger generation with its polarizing story, which some critics saw as glorifying violence. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2024 That decision was criticized as polarized, sparking similar public debate about the Supreme Court’s role and fair elections. Gillian Brassil, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2024 Musk has become a polarizing figure, drained of all mystique. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2024 No modern British dramatist polarized his countrymen as much as Edward Bond, who died on Sunday at age 89. Benedict Nightingale, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polarize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French polariser, from New Latin polaris polar

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of polarize was in 1811

Dictionary Entries Near polarize

Cite this Entry

“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

polarize

verb
po·​lar·​ize ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce polarize (audio)
polarized; polarizing
1
: to cause to vibrate (as light waves) in a definite pattern
2
: to give physical polarity to
3
: to break up into opposing groups
4
: to become polarized
polarization noun

Medical Definition

polarize

verb
po·​lar·​ize
variants also British polarise
polarized also British polarised; polarizing also British polarising

transitive verb

1
: to cause (as light waves) to vibrate in a definite pattern
2
: to give physical polarity to

More from Merriam-Webster on polarize

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