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.

Origin of polarize

First recorded in 1805–15; polar + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM 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, adjective

Scientific definitions for polarize

polarize
[ pōlə-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.