polarizing

American  

[poh-luh-rahy-zing] / ˈpoʊ ləˌraɪ zɪŋ /

especially British, polarising

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.

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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

Etymology

Origin of polarizing

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

Talarico, 36, has drawn interest from party figures who believe a less polarizing nominee could perform better with swing voters in a large, diverse state.

From Barron's

In a time when politics often cloud global conversations and create division, the Winter Olympics provide a rare space where national pride feels unifying rather than polarizing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Valerie Termini, acting director of the department, said the decision was “overdue” at the meeting, while acknowledging that mountain lions are polarizing animals.

From Los Angeles Times

Even Palantir — a company known for its polarizing high stock valuation — hasn’t been able to escape the broader software selloff that’s rippled across the market with renewed force this year.

From MarketWatch

Seattle began its season with a polarizing quarterback hire and ugly 60-1 odds to make it to the glamorous final game.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• part
• separate