polarizing

adjective

po·​lar·​iz·​ing ˈpō-lə-ˌrī-ziŋ 

: causing polarization: such as

a

: causing electromagnetic radiation and especially light waves to vibrate in a definite pattern

a camera lens equipped with a polarizing filter [= a filter that controls the passage of polarized light in order to reduce reflections, glare, etc.]

sunglasses with polarizing lenses

b

: causing a physical object (such as a particle or crystal) to enter a state of polarization

… applying a polarizing electric field to ferroelectric crystals …

—David Ritchie

c

: causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groupings

a polarizing political issue

As polarizing a figure as there is in the league, he is deified in L.A. and often detested elsewhere, yet not even his detractors can deny his talent or accomplishments.

—Chris Ballard

Our media's attention often spins around unnuanced, polarizing opinions and hasty, inflammatory statements.

—Heather Lanier

Examples of polarizing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since his foray into Washington, Musk has become a deeply polarizing and unpopular figure, while the president's approval rating has ticked up in some recent surveys. —Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 7 June 2025

True, but in less polarized times, his work was political in less polarizing ways. —Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025

The most populated city in the United States might also have the most polarizing mayoral race of any other. —Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2025

Perpetual usage rights have become one of the most polarizing clauses in modern brand-creator contracts. —Kristen Bousquet, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polarizing

• advertising
• amortizing
• analyzing
• anodizing
• appetizing
• atomizing
• authorising
• authorizing
• carbonizing
• carburizing
• catalyzing
• centralising