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

“There are contestants that become very polarizing and you’ll have people absolutely foaming at the mouth wanting them to lose,” says former champion Mattea Roach, speaking from experience.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

While EDM has emerged over the years as a dominant force, comprising nearly 45% of this year’s lineup, artists from the sometimes polarizing dubstep/riddim scene are rarely given such a prominent platform.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

I don’t like to call them polarizing, because they shouldn’t be.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Lastly, there was the “ick” factor that Lenz said comes from the home’s association with a celebrity couple who are as polarizing as Alec and Hilaria.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

They wore shiny, textured gray-blue suits and wide ties and sported long sideburns and slightly too large brown- tinted polarizing glasses.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Related Words

• part
• separate