polarization

noun

po·​lar·​i·​za·​tion ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce polarization (audio)
plural polarizations
1
: division into two sharply distinct opposites
especially : a state in which the opinions, beliefs, or interests of a group or society no longer range along a continuum but become concentrated at opposing extremes
political polarization
… the relationship between partisan polarization and legislative gridlock is direct, with stalemate more frequent as the political center shrinks. Sarah A. Binder
The drift in our society now is not toward a grouping around the middle, but toward polarization. Richard Todd
… the venue where our most fractious … arguments over identity occur: the internet. These arguments do not play out on a democratized playing field where all identities are weighted equally; rather, they play out in a meticulously crafted environment where identities are microtargeted and polarization is amplified by algorithms. Emma Levy
2
: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: such as
a(1)
: the action or process of affecting radiation and especially light so that the vibrations of the wave assume a definite form
(2)
: the state of radiation affected by this process
b
: an increase in the resistance of an electrolytic cell often caused by the deposition of gas on one or both electrodes

Examples of polarization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many misinformation campaigns aim to create distrust and fuel polarization, Maertens emphasized. Julianna Bragg, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025 Algorithmic recommendation engines that power everything from X to YouTube can even contribute to a slow-burn destabilization of American society by shoving consumers into partisan echo chambers that increase polarization and erode social trust. Seth Ashley, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025 In 2024, the company announced Polar ID—the ability to utilize polarization data captured through this metasurface lens to identify and authenticate people. Simon Hill, WIRED, 5 Mar. 2025 There was a wide gap between the views of Democrats and Republicans, highlighting the political polarization gripping this state and the nation. George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for polarization

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of polarization was in 1812

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Cite this Entry

“Polarization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarization. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

polarization

noun
po·​lar·​iza·​tion
variants also British polarisation
: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: as
a(1)
: the action or process of affecting radiation and especially light so that the vibrations of the wave assume a definite form
(2)
: the state of radiation affected by this process
b
: an increase in the resistance of an electrolytic cell caused by the deposition of gas on one or both electrodes

More from Merriam-Webster on polarization

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