polarization

noun

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

plural polarizations

1

: 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

2

: 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

Examples of polarization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Leadership grounded in empathy and inclusivity can offer a powerful response to the growing xenophobia, polarization, and refugee crises seen across the globe. —Paul Klein, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

This election cycle — plagued by extreme polarization, rampant misinformation and assassination attempts — has the nation on edge. —Jessica Boehm, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024

Amid nationwide political polarization, the state's elections are tighter than ever, with the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections in Wisconsin being decided by less than 1% of the vote, or about 20,000 voters. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 24 Oct. 2024

This polarization broke the more common pattern of bipartisan public support for space programming. —Thomas G. Roberts, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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