polarization

noun

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

plural polarizations

1

: 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

2

: 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

This team, led by Stefano Bagnulo, studied particularly the change in polarization of the asteroid. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Mar. 2023

In 2020, Komatsu’s team reported finding a tiny rotation in the CMB’s polarization — about 0.35 degrees. —Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 13 Mar. 2023

Historically, students at Asbury used revivals to recommit to and evangelize their faith, especially amid social change and unrest like war, economic uncertainty, political polarization and racial injustice. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 27 Feb. 2023

Global business is needed as a public and private ally today to advance LGBTQ rights globally and stop the roll-back of rights in places like the U.S. and U.K. as populism and polarization grow. —Liz Elting, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2023

Political and polarization are the electoral buzzwords of our era. —Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 28 Nov. 2022

White Latinos’ top concerns surround crime or gun violence, inflation and Covid-19, while non-Hispanic White people prioritize inflation, crime or gun violence, and political extremism or polarization. —Justin Gest, CNN, 4 Nov. 2022

Misleading or deceptive claims about voting and elections have proliferated in heading into next week's elections and have been blamed for increasing distrust and polarization. —Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2022

Misleading or deceptive claims about voting and elections have proliferated in heading into next week’s elections and have been blamed for increasing distrust and polarization. —David Klepper, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing polarization

• plane of polarization

• plane of polarization

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