polarizing

adjective

po·​lar·​iz·​ing ˈpō-lə-ˌrī-ziŋ 

: causing polarization: such as

a

: causing electromagnetic radiation and especially light waves to vibrate in a definite pattern

a camera lens equipped with a polarizing filter [= a filter that controls the passage of polarized light in order to reduce reflections, glare, etc.]

sunglasses with polarizing lenses

b

: causing a physical object (such as a particle or crystal) to enter a state of polarization

… applying a polarizing electric field to ferroelectric crystals …

—David Ritchie

c

: causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groupings

a polarizing political issue

As polarizing a figure as there is in the league, he is deified in L.A. and often detested elsewhere, yet not even his detractors can deny his talent or accomplishments.

—Chris Ballard

Our media's attention often spins around unnuanced, polarizing opinions and hasty, inflammatory statements.

—Heather Lanier

Examples of polarizing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Behold the gloriously multifaceted—and highly polarizing—cape, a cornerstone prop in portrayals of monarchy, religion, even war, a garment that ebbs into and flows out of fashion more often than any other. —Isiah Magsino, Town & Country, 2 Sep. 2023

Meanwhile, the coming year, complete with what will likely be the most polarizing presidential election in history, isn’t giving anyone hope that country music’s culture war will abate. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2023

That can be especially true amid the partisanship of the current political climate, the most polarizing period of American history since the Civil War. —USA TODAY, 20 Aug. 2023

The bill had bipartisan support, but it’s long been one of the most polarizing issues in Oregon. —oregonlive, 4 Aug. 2023

And accomplishing both these tasks requires simultaneously appealing to pro-Trump and anti-Trump GOP voters amid very polarizing developments over the ex-president’s indictments and trials. —Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2023

Emily Blunt’s martini-mad Kitty Oppenheimer is a more polarizing performance, but Supporting Actress always has room for a historical wife. —Vulture, 28 July 2023

After his release, Mr. Mitnick became a polarizing but regular presence in the cybersecurity community. —Kelly Kasulis Cho, Washington Post, 20 July 2023

In recent tumultuous and polarizing years, Jordan has become more public with his philanthropy and occasional calls for racial justice. —Harvey Araton, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above