polarize

verb

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

transitive verb

1
: to cause to vibrate in a definite pattern
lenses that 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

intransitive verb

: to become polarized
polarized adjective
polarized sunglasses
a polarized political climate

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The polarizing showcase comes about a month after Sandoval’s initial audition for AGT aired. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 20 Aug. 2025 The original film was polarizing upon release, earning Academy Award nominations for its editing and original score but garnering scrutiny for its depiction of an LGBTQ+ character as a dangerous killer just as the HIV/AIDS epidemic was winding down. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025 Although the country is polarized, all its parties are resolutely opposed to Russian aggression in Ukraine and Moscow’s broader effort to reassert regional power. Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025 The posts are deeply polarizing: popular among a swath of Trump fans who share them and comment favorably, while generating outcry from critics who object to their tone and content. Shannon Bond, NPR, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for polarize

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

Cite this Entry

“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarize. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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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