polarizing

[ poh-luh-rahy-zing ]

adjective

1. tending to divide people into sharply opposing factions:

   Here are some tips to keep polarizing political discourse from disrupting your workplace.

2. causing polarization of light or similar radiation:

   If there is glare, you can use a polarizing filter on the camera to reduce or even remove it.

3. causing magnetic or electric polarity in a body or system:

   The control system consists of a feedback loop that uses real-time polarizing electric fields as a controlling force.

noun

1. the act, fact, or practice of dividing people into sharply opposing factions:

   If rational argument fails, he can always fall back on the techniques of mockery and polarizing.

Other Words From

• non·po·lar·iz·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of polarizing¹

First recorded in 1720–30; polariz(e) ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective senses; polariz(e) ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun sense

Example Sentences

In addition to spin polarizing half the fuels, the percentage of deuterium would be increased from the usual amount of roughly 60% or more.

From Science Daily

In a conversation with me last week, Nelson pointed out that this 52-year-old happening is not so different from today’s polarizing political atmosphere.

From Salon

Abortion rights, always a polarizing issue in American politics, became an electoral tinderbox in 2022 after the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs.

From Los Angeles Times

The race for district attorney is a clash between the competing visions of the incumbent, polarizing progressive George Gascón, and his challenger, Nathan Hochman, an independent who previously ran for state office as a Republican.

From Los Angeles Times

As Congress only gets more polarizing, the idea of Republicans and Democrats openly having fun on a show together might sound impossible.

From Salon

Related Words

• part
• separate