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

Love him or hate him, the former quarterback remains one of football’s most polarizing voices—and not always for the best reasons. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Nov. 2024

Between the lines: The most polarizing issues for likely voters are housing and immigration, per the survey. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024

Among the franchise newcomers was Denise Richards, who appeared as nuclear physicist Christmas Jones, who would go on to become one of the most polarizing Bond Girls. —Stacy Lambe, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024

One of the most polarizing constituents is The Murder Sheet, a podcast by a husband-and-wife team who originally met and bonded over true crime. —Aja Romano, Vox, 11 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above