polarization

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

Definition of polarization

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

2a : division into two opposites

b : concentration about opposing extremes of groups or interests formerly ranged on a continuum

Examples of polarization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Scheidel told me that the extreme political polarization in the U.S. is likely to continue but that the Patriotic Millionaires’ fears of violence are probably misplaced. — Sheelah Kolhatkar, The New Yorker, "The Ultra-Wealthy Who Argue That They Should Be Paying Higher Taxes," 30 Dec. 2019 The polarization of politics in the US is pushing CEOs to take a stand, too, according to Aaron Chatterji, an associate professor of business and public policy at Duke University. — Sarah Todd, Quartz at Work, "The origins of La Colombe CEO Todd Carmichael’s social consciousness," 16 Dec. 2019 And that extreme polarization can be very isolating. — Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, "Trump Facebook feuds: Americans brace for partisan warfare with friends, family in 2020," 14 Dec. 2019 That polarization was reflected in its near-shutout at the CMAs. — Chris Willman, chicagotribune.com, "CMA Awards nominations: Maren Morris leads with six, ‘Old Town Road’ nearly shutout," 28 Aug. 2019 Racial and ethnic polarization has been a hallmark of Trump's political rise and is central to his reelection. — Fortune, "Trump’s America: Where Politics Dictate the Definition of Racism," 6 Aug. 2019 Racial and ethnic polarization has been a hallmark of Trump’s political career. — Bill Barrow, The Denver Post, "Trump’s America: Where politics dictate “racism” definition," 6 Aug. 2019 Political divisions are deepening as well, with polarization and political fragmentation marking the new normal in democracies in most parts of the world. — Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, "A year of protests caps a decade of crisis and anger," 20 Dec. 2019 The Prosperity Party is already facing criticism from members of the former ruling coalition even though many Ethiopians see it as an opportunity to unite and overcome ethnic polarization and recurrent violence. — Yohannes Gedamu, Quartz Africa, "The new political party of Ethiopia’s Abiy holds much promise but faces significant hurdles," 13 Dec. 2019

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.