polarize
[ poh-luh-rahyz ]
/ ˈpoʊ ləˌraɪz /
verb (used with object), po·lar·ized, po·lar·iz·ing.
to cause polarization in.
to divide into sharply opposing factions, political groups, etc.: The controversy has polarized voters into proabortion and antiabortion groups.
to give polarity to.
verb (used without object), po·lar·ized, po·lar·iz·ing.
to become polarized.
Also
especially British,
po·lar·ise.
OTHER WORDS FROM polarize
Words nearby polarize
Example sentences from the Web for polarize
British Dictionary definitions for polarize
polarize
polarise
/ (ˈpəʊləˌraɪz) /
verb
to acquire or cause to acquire polarity
to acquire or cause to acquire polarization
to polarize light
to cause people to adopt extreme opposing positions
to polarize opinion
Derived forms of polarize
polarizable or polarisable, adjectiveScientific definitions for polarize
polarize
[ pō′lə-rīz′ ]
To separate or accumulate positive and negative electric charges in two distinct regions. Polarized objects have an electric dipole moment and will undergo torque when placed in an external electric field.
To magnetize a substance so that it has the properties of a magnetic dipole, such as having a north and south pole.
To cause the electrical and magnetic fields associated with electromagnetic waves, especially light, to vibrate in a particular direction or path. The transverse electric and magnetic waves always vibrate at right angles to each other, but in ordinary unpolarized light sources, the direction of polarization of each wave is randomly distributed. Light can be polarized by reflection, and by passing through certain materials. See more at polarization.