polarize

verb

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

transitive verb

1
: to cause to vibrate in a definite pattern
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

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 But its third season dropped in June and proved highly polarizing, which could redirect some support to formidable competitors Hacks, Abbott Elementary, Only Murders in the Building and Curb Your Enthusiasm, all past nominees. Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Sep. 2024 And though his Circus Maximus tour seems to be surging along, his Utopia album (and its rollout) was polarizing. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2024 Yes, but: The list (and others like it) has become polarizing. Arika Herron, Axios, 24 Sep. 2024 The issue is polarizing, but not down the middle and not strictly along party lines. Benjamin Case, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for polarize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polarize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near polarize

Cite this Entry

“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarize. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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