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

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

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

: magnetization

Examples of polarization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

LCDs use the precise control of light polarization by using an electrical field. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

Despite such disagreements – a reflection of the country’s deep polarization – many South Koreans are simply thankful to put the instability of the martial law episode behind them. —Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 4 June 2025

Throw in the early 20th-century beginnings of beach culture and the development of polarization in 1936, and sunglasses were here to stay. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 2 June 2025

Conversely, Newsom represents the bluest of blue states at a time when the Democratic party has moved further to the left, and during a period of deep polarization in our politics. —Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 1 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing polarization

• plane of polarization

Rhymes for polarization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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