polarization

noun

po·​lar·​i·​za·​tion ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

plural polarizations

1

: 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

: magnetization

2

: 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

The drift in our society now is not toward a grouping around the middle, but toward polarization.

—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

Examples of polarization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Amid nationwide political polarization, the state's elections are tighter than ever, with the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections in Wisconsin being decided by less than 1% of the vote, or about 20,000 voters. —Madison Lammert, Journal Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024

Political polarization in this country is such that partisans look at each other with mutual incomprehension. —Gary Langer, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024

The other side: Prop. 131 supporters argue the new system would empower more voters by diminishing the role of political parties and the resulting polarization. —John Frank, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024

Watching the ‘turmoil’ As the campaigns unfolded over recent months, Beijing’s state media has honed in on social discord and polarization in the US. —Simone McCarthy, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing polarization

• plane of polarization

Medical Definition

polarization

noun

po·​lar·​iza·​tion

variants also British polarisation

ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

: 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

: magnetization