polarize

verb

po·​lar·​ize ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz 

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 audience

—Ellen Willis

intransitive verb

: to become polarized

polarizability

ˌpō-lə-ˌrī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

Synonyms

• center
• centralize
• compact
• concenter
• concentrate
• consolidate
• unify
• unite

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

This was a polarizing installment, with Meredith fighting for her life after almost drowning during the ferry incident and experiencing some wild side effects of her mini coma. —Ew Staff, EW.com, 21 May 2024

Starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers as the polarizing king, the show focuses on not only his many love affairs and relationships in pursuit of securing a male heir, but how his rule changed religion, politics, and infrastructure in England forever. —Cady Lang, TIME, 16 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

French polariser, from New Latin polaris polar

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

polarize

verb

po·​lar·​ize ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz 

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

ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz 

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

intransitive verb

: to become polarized