polarization

noun

po·​lar·​i·​za·​tion ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

plural polarizations

1

: division into two sharply distinct opposites

especially : a state in which the opinions, beliefs, or interests of a group or society no longer range along a continuum but become concentrated at opposing extremes

political polarization

… the relationship between partisan polarization and legislative gridlock is direct, with stalemate more frequent as the political center shrinks.

—Sarah A. Binder

The drift in our society now is not toward a grouping around the middle, but toward polarization.

—Richard Todd

… the venue where our most fractious … arguments over identity occur: the internet. These arguments do not play out on a democratized playing field where all identities are weighted equally; rather, they play out in a meticulously crafted environment where identities are microtargeted and polarization is amplified by algorithms.

—Emma Levy

2

: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: such as

a(1)

: the action or process of affecting radiation and especially light so that the vibrations of the wave assume a definite form

(2)

: the state of radiation affected by this process

b

: an increase in the resistance of an electrolytic cell often caused by the deposition of gas on one or both electrodes

c

: magnetization

Examples of polarization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s growing evidence that social media and the decline of in-person social connection have coincided with major increases in anxiety and depression, as well as political polarization and pessimism about the future. —Kim Samuel, Time, 14 May 2025

Political polarization seeps into workplace dynamics. —Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

Mathematics is on the front lines of combating misinformation, algorithmic bias (including in AI) and polarization incited by social media. —Vicki Abeles, Mercury News, 7 May 2025

Denim Dudes sums up this feeling of global tension and polarization in Superpower Pivot, a Fall/Winter 2025-2026 theme that places designers’ heritage, opinions and experiences front and center. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 6 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing polarization

• plane of polarization

Rhymes for polarization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

polarization

noun

po·​lar·​iza·​tion

variants also British polarisation

ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: as

a(1)

: the action or process of affecting radiation and especially light so that the vibrations of the wave assume a definite form

(2)

: the state of radiation affected by this process

b

: an increase in the resistance of an electrolytic cell caused by the deposition of gas on one or both electrodes

c

: magnetization