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

“This issue is one of the most polarizing issues nationally and it has split the Church,” he said, adding that it’s fair to question the way the statement is written.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Since the deal closed Aug. 7, David Ellison has moved to position the company slightly right of the political center, while also taking on polarizing issues.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A polarizing figure on the Los Angeles Police Commission will retain his seat despite having never received an approval vote from the City Council.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Even routine medical advice can become a viral battleground in today’s polarized social media landscape.

Read more on Salon

In a polarized environment, the elevation of a figure into a saint does more than honor the individual.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• part 
• separate