polarization

noun

po·​lar·​i·​za·​tion ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

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

c

: magnetization

Examples of polarization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Inclusion of migrants is not only what allows for dignifying policy but a thinning of the immense polarization haunting U.S. politics. —Juan Wulff, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

Europe’s Invisible Provinces How the urban-rural divide drives political polarization. —Barry Eichengreen, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024

By aligning the company mission with the political landscape, reaffirming values, managing workplace polarization, and adapting policies to evolving regulations, HR leaders can position their organizations for success. —Melanie Hughes, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

In the City of Angels and Broken Dreams – Los Angeles – polarization and paradoxes are lurking around every corner. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing polarization

• plane of polarization

Medical Definition

polarization

noun

po·​lar·​iza·​tion

variants also British polarisation

ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

: 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

c

: magnetization