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

Visas for skilled workers have become a highly polarizing topic among Mr. Trump’s followers, many of whom oppose all types of immigration and call for the country’s borders to be closed. —Ken Bensinger, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024

The Boston Red Sox's 24-year-old first baseman Triston Casas has been one of the most polarizing players among Red Sox fans at least since David Price joined the team in 2016. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024

Quispe López The Substance Takes Feminine Beauty Ideals to a Grotesque Extreme A career-best Demi Moore stars in the polarizing and delightfully unsubtle horror tale. —Fran Tirado, Them, 20 Dec. 2024

Disregarding several years of narrative planning from Lucasfilm Publishing was a disappointing response from the studio amid a mixed reaction to the polarizing but still popular series. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above