polemics

American  

[puh-lem-iks, poh-] / pəˈlɛm ɪks, poʊ- /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the art or practice of disputation or controversy.

   a master of polemics.

2. the branch of theology dealing with the history or conduct of ecclesiastical disputation and controversy.

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polemics British  

/ pəˈlɛmɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the art or practice of dispute or argument, as in attacking or defending a doctrine or belief

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Etymology

Origin of polemics

First recorded in 1630–40; polemic, -ics

Example Sentences

Southerners wrote elaborate polemics describing Southern society as the natural heir to Athens and Rome, and Southern Protestant denominations split off from their Northern coreligionists, claiming the Bible sanctioned slavery.

From Salon

The sculpture has long sparked polemics: While adherents of the left generally applauded it, and some visitors would leave flowers, critics assailed the artwork as a tasteless shrine to a bloody communist dictatorship.

From Los Angeles Times

Apart from fierce polemics, the election has generated widespread confusion.

From Los Angeles Times

While generating political polemics, Sunday’s vote has not triggered the raucous street rallies that generally accompany Mexican balloting.

From Los Angeles Times

The New York Times, which had vigorously supported the Iraq invasion published four op-eds defending Strauss, polemics that employed ridicule and condescension against the unsophisticated critics who supposedly didn’t “get” the philosopher’s subtle arguments.

From Salon