polarize
polarize Lexical Profile
polarize Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To divide or cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs.
"The controversial tax proposal threatened to polarize voters ahead of the autumn election."
To restrict the vibrations of a transverse wave, especially light, wholly or partially to one direction (in physics).
"Specialized camera filters are designed to polarize incoming light and reduce glare from reflective water surfaces."
To cause a substance, molecule, or biological membrane to acquire electrical or magnetic polarity.
"An external electric field can polarize the dielectric material inside the capacitor."
• Rhymes for polarize
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 19th century from French 'polariser', which was coined by physicist Étienne-Louis Malus from Medieval Latin 'polaris' (relating to the poles), originally to describe the orientation of light waves.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.