polarize

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verb po·lar·ize \ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz\

Definition of polarize

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 1 recreate a cohesive rock community by polarizing … an amorphous, fragmented audience — Ellen Willis
intransitive verb
: to become polarized

polarizability

play \ˌpō-lə-ˌrī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

polarizable

play \ˌpō-lə-ˈrī-zə-bəl\ adjective

See polarize defined for English-language learners

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Examples of polarize in a Sentence

The war has polarized the nation.
The current debate polarizes along lines of class and race.

Recent Examples of polarize from the Web

But unfortunately polarized media tends to polarize it even further.

— Washington Post, "Full interview transcript: State Sen. Frank Wagner", 1 June 2017
A: Normally with wedding quandaries, behavior starts to get so extreme and polarized so as to create caricatures.

— andrea bonior, chicagotribune.com, "My best friend wants to bring a date to my wedding and it's ruining all my plans", 30 May 2017
Yes, James has spoken out on polarizing sociopolitical issues and even attached himself to Hillary Clinton near the end of her presidential campaign.

— harvey araton, New York Times, "One Thing LeBron James Can’t Win: A Comparison With Michael Jordan", 28 May 2017
But Alan Wake seems to be good at polarizing opinion on Game People right now.

— andy robertson, WIRED, "Alan Wake Divides Opinion", 30 May 2010

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

Origin and Etymology of polarize

French polariser, from New Latin polaris polar

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First Known Use: 1811

See Words from the same year

POLARIZE Defined for English Language Learners

polarize

play

verb

Definition of polarize for English Language Learners

: to cause (people, opinions, etc.) to separate into opposing groups
physics : to cause (something, such as light waves) to vibrate in a particular pattern
physics : to cause (something) to have positive and negative charges : to give polarity to (something)