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

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

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

Barron's appeal might have something to do with his relatability as a quiet young man in contrast to his father who is an infamously polarizing figure in both politics and popular culture. —Sam Woodward, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025

Nonetheless, people’s views about the EPA tend to be highly polarized. —Stan Meiburg, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025

His initial appeal was also boosted by the legacy of his father, the charismatic but polarizing Pierre Trudeau, who was one of Canada's longest-serving leaders. —Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 7 Jan. 2025

Wake Up and Open Your Eyes, by Clay McLeod Chapman (January 7) $23 $25 now 8% off Chapman’s nightmare road-trip Wake Up and Open Your Eyes is driven by a kicker of a timely concept: a national epidemic of mass demonic possession, caused by prolonged exposure to polarizing media. —Vulture Editors, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025

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