polarization
noun
po·lar·i·za·tion
ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 
plural polarizations
1
: division into two sharply distinct opposites
especially
: a state in which the opinions, beliefs, or interests of a group or society no longer range along a continuum but become concentrated at opposing extremes
political polarization
… the relationship between partisan polarization and legislative gridlock is direct, with stalemate more frequent as the political center shrinks. —
Sarah A. Binder
Sarah A. Binder The drift in our society now is not toward a grouping around the middle, but toward polarization. —Richard Todd
Richard Todd … the venue where our most fractious … arguments over identity occur: the internet. These arguments do not play out on a democratized playing field where all identities are weighted equally; rather, they play out in a meticulously crafted environment where identities are microtargeted and polarization is amplified by algorithms. —Emma Levy
Emma Levy 2
: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: such as
a(1)
: the action or process of affecting radiation and especially light so that the vibrations of the wave assume a definite form
(2)
: the state of radiation affected by this process
b
: an increase in the resistance of an electrolytic cell often caused by the deposition of gas on one or both electrodes
c
Examples of polarization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This polarization translates into presidential elections that are narrowly won.
—Jennifer Victor, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2025
For many professionals, especially during times like these with uncertainty, social and political unrest, and increasing polarization, the traditional workweek is marred by overwhelm and exhaustion—many want to feel seen, heard and understood.
—Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
This polarization appears to be part of a global trend observed in several Western democracies.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
The team has successfully combined theoretical models with experimental data to prove that the impact of nuclear polarization on the hyperfine structure of muonic atoms is significantly less than previously thought.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarization
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Jennifer Victor, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2025
For many professionals, especially during times like these with uncertainty, social and political unrest, and increasing polarization, the traditional workweek is marred by overwhelm and exhaustion—many want to feel seen, heard and understood.
—Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
This polarization appears to be part of a global trend observed in several Western democracies.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
The team has successfully combined theoretical models with experimental data to prove that the impact of nuclear polarization on the hyperfine structure of muonic atoms is significantly less than previously thought.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarization
Cite this Entry
“Polarization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarization. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
polarization
noun
po·lar·iza·tion
variants
also British polarisation
: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: as
a(1)
: the action or process of affecting radiation and especially light so that the vibrations of the wave assume a definite form
(2)
: the state of radiation affected by this process
b
: an increase in the resistance of an electrolytic cell caused by the deposition of gas on one or both electrodes
c
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