polarize

verb

po·​lar·​ize ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz 

polarized; polarizing; polarizes

transitive verb

1

: to cause to vibrate in a definite pattern

lenses that polarize light waves

2

: to give physical polarity to

exposure to an electric field can polarize a piece of iron

sunglasses with polarized lenses

3

: to break up into opposing factions or groups

a campaign that polarized the electorate

4

: concentrate sense 1

… re-create a cohesive rock community by polarizing what has become an amorphous, fragmented audience.

—Ellen Willis

intransitive verb

: to become polarized

polarizability

ˌpō-lə-ˌrī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

polarized adjective

polarized sunglasses

a polarized political climate

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

The more partisan and polarizing foreign policy becomes, the more dangerous the world will be as a result. —Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 9 Mar. 2026

Thanks in part to Winter’s singular voice, Geese can be polarizing, which isn’t unusual even for acts destined for legend. —Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2026

Many young people feel isolated and lonely in an increasingly online and polarized world and AI companions are a quick fix, explains James Sherer, MD, a psychiatrist and deputy chief medical officer at Hackensack Meridian Carrier Clinic. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 7 Mar. 2026

Smell is polarizing; expensive Mature skin types around ages 50 to 60 might reach for a powerful body treatment that can address deeper wrinkles, crepiness, and cellulite that’s a little more pronounced. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French polariser, from New Latin polaris polar

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for polarize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

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