polarize

[ poh-luh-rahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, po·lar·ized, po·lar·iz·ing.

1. to cause polarization in.
2. to divide into sharply opposing factions, political groups, etc.:

   The controversy has polarized voters into proabortion and antiabortion groups.

3. to give polarity to.

verb (used without object)

, po·lar·ized, po·lar·iz·ing.

1. to become polarized.

polarize

/ ˈpəʊləˌraɪz /

verb

1. to acquire or cause to acquire polarity
2. to acquire or cause to acquire polarization

   to polarize light

3. to cause people to adopt extreme opposing positions

   to polarize opinion

polarize

/ pō′lə-rīz′ /

1. To separate or accumulate positive and negative electric charges in two distinct regions. Polarized objects have an electric dipole moment and will undergo torque when placed in an external electric field.
2. To magnetize a substance so that it has the properties of a magnetic dipole, such as having a north and south pole.
3. To cause the electrical and magnetic fields associated with electromagnetic waves, especially light, to vibrate in a particular direction or path. The transverse electric and magnetic waves always vibrate at right angles to each other, but in ordinary unpolarized light sources, the direction of polarization of each wave is randomly distributed. Light can be polarized by reflection, and by passing through certain materials.
4. See more at polarization

Derived Forms

• ˈpolarˌizable, adjective

Other Words From

• po·lar·iz·a·ble [poh-l, uh, -, rahy, -z, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• po·lar·iz·a·bil·i·ty [poh-l, uh, -rahy-z, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], noun
• de·po·lar·ize verb (used with object) depolarized depolarizing
• non·po·lar·iz·a·ble adjective
• re·po·lar·ize verb (used with object) repolarized repolarizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of polarize¹

First recorded in 1805–15; polar + -ize

Example Sentences

Popular opinion four years ago supported a strong social-democratic response, and bipartisan majority support for such a response could have pointed to a path beyond polarized gridlock.

From Salon

In the race for Congress in these polarized times, really only one thing matters: Control the map, and you control the outcomes.

From Salon

That and other complex issues related to the polarizing species prompted the state wildlife agency to partner with UC Berkeley to conduct research it hopes will fill in knowledge gaps and guide management.

From Los Angeles Times

I want to talk about that intense emotional reaction, because she's so polarizing.

From Salon

Trump’s Cabinet picks have been as polarizing as the incoming president himself.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• part
• separate