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
In the early weeks of the second Trump administration, Democrats are seeking to highlight the prominence of Musk, the polarizing technology mogul, in the new administration.
—Lisa Lerer, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
That scattering process polarizes the light, and the degree of polarization tells us where the object was in three dimensions.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 5 Feb. 2025
What to watch: Trump's proposal will be deeply polarizing across the Middle East.
—Dave Lawler, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025
The polarizing trade has garnered many different opinions throughout the world of basketball observers.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for polarize 
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Lisa Lerer, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
That scattering process polarizes the light, and the degree of polarization tells us where the object was in three dimensions.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 5 Feb. 2025
What to watch: Trump's proposal will be deeply polarizing across the Middle East.
—Dave Lawler, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025
The polarizing trade has garnered many different opinions throughout the world of basketball observers.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 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 13 Feb. 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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