polarization
noun
po·lar·i·za·tion
ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 
plural polarizations
1
: division into two sharply distinct opposites
especially
: a state in which the opinions, beliefs, or interests of a group or society no longer range along a continuum but become concentrated at opposing extremes
political polarization
… the relationship between partisan polarization and legislative gridlock is direct, with stalemate more frequent as the political center shrinks. —
Sarah A. Binder
Sarah A. Binder The drift in our society now is not toward a grouping around the middle, but toward polarization. —Richard Todd
Richard Todd … the venue where our most fractious … arguments over identity occur: the internet. These arguments do not play out on a democratized playing field where all identities are weighted equally; rather, they play out in a meticulously crafted environment where identities are microtargeted and polarization is amplified by algorithms. —Emma Levy
Emma Levy 2
: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: such as
a(1)
: the action or process of affecting radiation and especially light so that the vibrations of the wave assume a definite form
(2)
: the state of radiation affected by this process
b
: an increase in the resistance of an electrolytic cell often caused by the deposition of gas on one or both electrodes
c
Examples of polarization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This Forbes article on emotional intelligence highlights how empathy acts as a bridge in times of tension or polarization, helping leaders address challenges collaboratively.
—Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
These include the breakdown of social norms and ties, radicalization and polarization, conflict, financial destabilization and displacement of people.
—Andy Extance, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025
Political polarization in America has gotten so bad that librarians — yes, librarians — are under siege across the country.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025
Big questions remain about whether interventions that correct political meta-misperceptions can have lasting effects, or whether reducing polarization among the American populace is even enough when so many threats to democracy come from elites intent on sowing division.
—Michael Pasek, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2025
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Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
These include the breakdown of social norms and ties, radicalization and polarization, conflict, financial destabilization and displacement of people.
—Andy Extance, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025
Political polarization in America has gotten so bad that librarians — yes, librarians — are under siege across the country.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025
Big questions remain about whether interventions that correct political meta-misperceptions can have lasting effects, or whether reducing polarization among the American populace is even enough when so many threats to democracy come from elites intent on sowing division.
—Michael Pasek, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for polarization
Articles Related to polarization
Dictionary Entries Near polarization
Cite this Entry
“Polarization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarization. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
polarization
noun
po·lar·iza·tion
variants
also British polarisation
: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: as
a(1)
: the action or process of affecting radiation and especially light so that the vibrations of the wave assume a definite form
(2)
: the state of radiation affected by this process
b
: an increase in the resistance of an electrolytic cell caused by the deposition of gas on one or both electrodes
c
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