polarizing
polarizing Lexical Profile
polarizing Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Causing a sharp division of people, opinions, or groups into two opposing and uncompromising factions.
"The proposed zoning law became a polarizing issue at the town hall meeting, splitting residents into two vocal camps."
Restricting the vibrations of light or other electromagnetic radiation to a single plane, typically to reduce glare or improve optical contrast.
"The photographer attached a polarizing filter to the camera lens to cut the harsh glare reflecting off the lake."
• verb
To divide or cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions (present participle of polarize).
"He warned that partisan rhetoric was polarizing the committee instead of helping members reach a compromise."
To restrict the vibrations of a transverse wave, especially light, wholly or partially to one direction (present participle of polarize).
"The specialized coating works by polarizing incoming light waves before they reach the sensor."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the verb 'polarize', borrowed from Early 19th-century French 'polariser', which was coined by physicist Étienne-Louis Malus from Medieval Latin 'polaris' ('of the poles') to describe the orientation of light waves.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.