polarize

verb

po·​lar·​ize ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz 

polarized; polarizing

transitive verb

1

: to cause to vibrate in a definite pattern

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

Synonyms

• center
• centralize
• compact
• concenter
• concentrate
• consolidate
• unify
• unite

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

Cynthia Nixon has come to terms with Sara Ramirez's departure from And Just Like That — and the end of the polarizing relationship between their two characters, Miranda Hobbes and Che Diaz. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 31 May 2024

Walton had inserted himself in the middle of the debate over the city’s most pressing problem, and in doing so, San Diego’s favorite son became a polarizing local figure. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2024

Hernández was a polarizing figure in the world of professional baseball, between his long and storied history with fans due controversial calls, consistent backlash on social media from online critics and his racial discrimination lawsuit against the MLB in 2017. —Danielle Jennings, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024

But the uncertainties from California to Connecticut show just how complex top campus jobs have become in an environment that has grown increasingly polarized. —Stephanie Saul, New York Times, 22 May 2024

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