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⚡ To split groups 🔬 To align waves
to polarize

to polarize

23 7.2
Make people or groups divide into two opposing sides
  • verb
  • /ˈpoʊləˌraɪz/
  • Literature
translation icon : polarizar
  • No doubt these articles created some tension and may have polarized opinions among TASH members about these issues.
  • polarized parliaments
  • polarized the campus
  • a polarized society

You don't think that Elon has completely polarized himself away from the Liberal Party?

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Examples

  • He is the most polarizing president we have ever, ever, ever had.

  • And they are the ones that tend to monopolize the political agenda and polarize politics.

    Academic text (1994)

  • While many colleagues praise her, many also say she seeks to polarize the campus on various issues.

    Academic text (1994)

  • And I listened to all of them and I realized that Jack is a polarizing figure for many.

  • So obviously I don't know what the answer is, but I do know that this is among the more polarizing topics available for discussion.

  • At the same time, disastrous effects of the depression on the Balkan countries further polarized domestic politics.

    Academic text (1995)

  • Outsiders operating in tribal territory would polarize the tribesmen and further add to the volatility of the region.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Little by little, the more polarized sectors of society started to equate differences and diversity with enmity.

    Academic text (1993)

  • The manner in which she polarizes males and females and verbally emasculates the village men

    Academic text (1992)

  • The controversial decision seemed to polarize public opinion into two distinct camps.

Synonyms

to drive a wedge
vsto polarize
13 7.6

To cause people to argue or become divided on purpose

occurs whether or not someone intends to create opposing sides
to dichotomize
vsto polarize
  • US
1 9.3

To separate things into two opposite groups, ignoring the middle

is about creating opposing sides rather than just separating into two kinds
to partisanize
vsto polarize
  • Formal
1 9.5

To make a person or group strongly support one political side

creates a split into opposing sides rather than just making one side loyal
to polarize opinions
vsto polarize
  • Literature
7.1

Make people split into groups with opposite views and strong disagreement

is broader causing two opposing sides across people groups or views
to hyperpolarize
vsto polarize
9.6

Make opinions or groups become very divided, often in politics

is less extreme causing division into two opposing sides

Antonyms

to unite
∞ 2.1

To join people or things into one group for a shared purpose

Phrasal Verbs

to polarize opinions
  • Literature
7.1

Make people split into groups with opposite views and strong disagreement

How Polarizing

to radicalize
28 7.7
to polarize
  • Literature
23 7.2
to divide
680 1.1

Surface Forms

polarize infinitive
polarized past
polarized past participle
polarizing present participle
polarizes third person singular

Morphology

polarize = polar (semi-transparent) = polar + ize

The verb form 'polarize' is derived from 'polar', but the metaphorical extension to social or ideological division is not immediately obvious.

Etymology

The word polarize comes from pole, like the North and South poles, which means 'opposite ends'. So to polarize people or groups is to push them toward two opposite sides, making agreement harder.