polarize

especially British, po·lar·ise

[poh-luh-rahyz]

verb (used with object)

polarized, polarizing 

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)

polarized, polarizing 

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

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

Other Word Forms

• polarizable adjective
• polarizability noun
• depolarize verb (used with object)
• nonpolarizable adjective
• repolarize verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of polarize¹

First recorded in 1805–15; polar + -ize

Example Sentences

The spectacle has rekindled hopes that America can become less polarized and find more common ground.

Read more on Salon

By studying how this light is polarized, scientists can gain valuable clues about the shape and behavior of the extremely hot gas and debris swirling around black holes at extreme speeds.

Read more on Science Daily

By changing the helicity, or twist, of the circularly polarized pulses, the team could stabilize either the clockwise or anti-clockwise arrangement of electric dipoles.

Read more on Science Daily

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

Related Words

• part 
• separate