polarize

verb

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

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 Musk has become a polarizing figure, drained of all mystique. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2024 No modern British dramatist polarized his countrymen as much as Edward Bond, who died on Sunday at age 89. Benedict Nightingale, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024 Stating the opposite is simply dishonest, and shameful and polarizing behavior. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2024 His opponents, state Treasurer Dale Folwell and trial attorney Bill Graham, say Robinson is too polarizing to win in November. Nicholas Riccardi, The Denver Post, 29 Feb. 2024 Ford: The response has been overwhelming, [with] an incredible amount of polarizing opinions. Samantha Chery, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 The new era has incorporated new, polarizing twists and brought back the fan-favorite auction over the past few seasons, and incoming players have become accustomed to expect the unexpected in addition to preparing physically and mentally to outwit, outplay and outlast each other. Brian Anthony Hernandez, Peoplemag, 27 Feb. 2024 Kyle Busch, a polarizing personality who has now become an elder statesman of the sport, will be gunning for his first 500 win in the No. 8 Chevrolet from the 34th position. Travis Caldwell, CNN, 18 Feb. 2024 Williams, who gained fame for her unfiltered and often polarizing opinions on celebrities, suddenly found herself as the hot topic. Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polarize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 Mar. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on polarize

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