polarizing

especially British, po·lar·is·ing

[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 Word Forms

• nonpolarizing 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

The chef and co-operator behind Tesla Diner, one of the city’s most notable and polarizing new restaurants, is exiting the project.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

MEDINA: There have been polarizing reactions to the unveiling of the STM.

Read more on Literature

I initially viewed this as an ideological reaction, an understandable response to a polarizing figure.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It would require voter ID and proof of citizenship in California elections — another polarizing issue.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That our message was too loud and too polarizing, and that’s not where the country is anymore.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• part 
• separate