polarize
verb
po·lar·ize
ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz 
polarized; polarizing; polarizes
1
: to cause to vibrate in a definite pattern
lenses that polarize light waves
2
: to give physical polarity to
3
: to break up into opposing factions or groupings
a campaign that polarized the electorate
4
: concentrate sense 1
recreate a cohesive rock community by polarizing … an amorphous, fragmented audience—
Ellen Willis
Ellen Willis
: to become polarized
polarized
adjective
polarized sunglasses
a polarized political climate
Examples of polarize in a Sentence
The war has polarized the nation.
The current debate polarizes along lines of class and race.
Recent Examples on the Web
Musk, the world's richest man and a close ally of Trump, has become a polarizing figure in U.S. politics and has used his X platform to push far-right political movements.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
But that’s down 5.6% from 2023, even with the addition of its polarizing Cybertruck.
—Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2025
Gang violence and kidnappings soared during his polarizing rule, and institutions crumbled.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
The decision to ban links to X on various subreddits underscores the polarizing nature of Musk’s public actions and his leadership style at X.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for polarize 
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Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
But that’s down 5.6% from 2023, even with the addition of its polarizing Cybertruck.
—Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2025
Gang violence and kidnappings soared during his polarizing rule, and institutions crumbled.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
The decision to ban links to X on various subreddits underscores the polarizing nature of Musk’s public actions and his leadership style at X.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for polarize
Articles Related to polarize
Dictionary Entries Near polarize
Cite this Entry
“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarize. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polarize
verb
po·lar·ize
ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz
polarized; polarizing
1
: to cause to vibrate (as light waves) in a definite pattern
2
: to give physical polarity to
3
: to break up into opposing groups
4
: to become polarized
polarization
noun
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