polarization

noun

po·​lar·​i·​za·​tion ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce polarization (audio)
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
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 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'polarization.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of polarization was in 1812

Dictionary Entries Near polarization

Cite this Entry

“Polarization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarization. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

polarization

noun
po·​lar·​iza·​tion
variants also British polarisation
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on polarization

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


A Good Old-Fashioned Quiz

Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY