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
exposure to an electric field can polarize a piece of iron
sunglasses with polarized lenses
3
: to break up into opposing factions or groups
a campaign that polarized the electorate
4
: concentrate sense 1
… re-create a cohesive rock community by polarizing what has become an amorphous, fragmented audience.—Ellen Willis
: to become polarized
polarized
adjective
polarized sunglasses
a polarized political climate
Cite this Entry
“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarize. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
