polarization

noun

po·​lar·​i·​za·​tion ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce polarization (audio)
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

Examples of polarization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to Muck Rack’s study, one-third of journalists said mis- or disinformation was the most serious threat to their industry, with another 25% pointing to journalism’s politicization and polarization. Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Due to partisan polarization and narrow legislative majorities, incumbency advantage is all but disappeared. Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 Direct cause-and-effect lines are hard to draw, but the latest incidents come against a backdrop of intense political polarization and increasingly toxic rhetoric on the national stage. Julia Mueller, The Hill, 18 June 2025 The reality is that Minnesota has become a microcosm of the polarization and political tensions plaguing the United States today. David Schultz, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for polarization

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of polarization was in 1812

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Cite this Entry

“Polarization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarization. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

polarization

noun
po·​lar·​iza·​tion
variants also British polarisation
: 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

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