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

The algorithm does that now, and it has propelled both Pauls into wealthy influencer titans, and Jake into the fight world’s munificent, polarizing Barnum.

From The Wall Street Journal

He has noticed that mentioning AI is polarizing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Booker has long been a visible and sometimes polarizing figure in national politics.

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

Some posts cheered his death, while others disparaged or mocked some of Kirk’s more polarizing views.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• part
• separate