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
His assassination in Utah this week has left the country reeling, stirring questions about the state of democracy due to the rise of ideological polarization and political violence that many fear threatens the pillars of unfettered free speech and other constitutional rights.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
The Republican governor has long championed civility in public discourse and has been an outspoken critic of political polarization.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
The polarization was vividly displayed on the eve of the start of the trial, when tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets to express their views in favor and against Bolsonaro’s prosecution.
—Omar G. Encarnación, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
The identity and motivation of the shooter is not yet known but Kirk's death has reignited concerns of deepening political polarization and violence in the country.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarization
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Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
The Republican governor has long championed civility in public discourse and has been an outspoken critic of political polarization.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
The polarization was vividly displayed on the eve of the start of the trial, when tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets to express their views in favor and against Bolsonaro’s prosecution.
—Omar G. Encarnación, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
The identity and motivation of the shooter is not yet known but Kirk's death has reignited concerns of deepening political polarization and violence in the country.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarization
Cite this Entry
“Polarization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarization. Accessed 16 Sep. 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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