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.

---

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 controversial ending of “Seinfeld,” which David co-wrote with comedian Jerry Seinfeld, was polarizing among fans when it was released, David said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

What followed, members said, was one of the most heated and polarizing debates witnessed at the wood-paneled club in decades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

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 • Feb. 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