polarize

verb

po·​lar·​ize ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce polarize (audio)
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 audienceEllen Willis

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 American society is polarized — probably more than ever — and the final decision on the election night will reflect that division with just a few thousand votes difference in some key states of the country. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2024 People are increasingly polarized, and disagreements are more frequent and more intense, both online and in person. Tracy Brower, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 How much, in these fractious and deeply polarized times, are voters willing to look past party labels? Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2024 Made in America: How polarizing biopic The Apprentice charts Donald Trump's origin story The rape scene One of the film’s most controversial scenes depicts Trump raping his then-wife, Ivana (who died in July 2022), in their home. Mike Miller, EW.com, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for polarize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polarize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French polariser, from New Latin polaris polar

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of polarize was in 1811

Dictionary Entries Near polarize

Cite this Entry

“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarize. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

polarize

verb
po·​lar·​ize ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce polarize (audio)
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
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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