polarize

verb

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

intransitive verb

: to become polarized
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
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.
With so many polarizing issues, encountering disagreement in our homes and workplaces is not hard to imagine. Esther K. Choy, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 We are divided and polarized as a country— Democrats versus Republicans, conservatives against liberals. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 In a 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Chazelle opened up about the polarizing reception the film got. Lexi Carson, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Nov. 2024 Could a polarizing pick for HHS secretary depolarize public health? Keren Landman, Vox, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for polarize 

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 18 Dec. 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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