polarize

verb

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po·lar·ize | \ ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz

polarized; polarizing

Definition of polarize

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 audience— Ellen Willis

intransitive verb

: to become polarized

Other Words from polarize Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About polarize

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 Disinformation campaigns have helped polarize and politicize the issues, dividing people and preventing the potential to work together to make changes, Guterres writes. — Manasee Wagh, Popular Mechanics, 5 Apr. 2022 When stuff like this is happening, society begins to polarize, which is absolutely natural. — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2022 That includes every possible position on gun ownership and regulation as the issue continues to polarize the nation. — Carol Kim Community Voices Contributor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2022 With skill and care, Russian operatives tested and retested how best to polarize audiences. — Tom Southern, Wired, 10 Mar. 2022 As a side effect, the May primary faceoff between the two remaining high-profile candidates could further polarize voters within the Republican party before potentially heading into a runoff. — Rick Klein, ABC News, 8 Feb. 2022 The reason for her initial hesitation was its potential to polarize. — Mike Wass, Variety, 19 Jan. 2022 Any portrayal of the late Selena Quintanilla-Pérez is destined to polarize her fans. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2021 The move may polarize some Apple fans who have gotten used to the notch, but the promise of more screen space is likely to be a change most iPhone users will enthusiastically embrace. — Gordon Kelly, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2021 See More

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.