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
By engineering support layer architecture, thin-film nanocomposite membranes counteract internal concentration polarization and salt accumulation within the membrane’s porous structure, reducing the driving force for water flow.
—Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Thirteen percent of Democrats and 9% of Republicans pointed to partisan polarization.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
This polarization means even post-Trump, Democrats may cling to divisive issues like defund-the-police echoes or aggressive cultural wars, repelling the non-ideological public weary of extremes.
—Nafees Alam, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025
Much of Gen Z entered adulthood amid pandemic isolation, political polarization, climate anxiety, and epidemic‑level burnout.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarization
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Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Thirteen percent of Democrats and 9% of Republicans pointed to partisan polarization.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
This polarization means even post-Trump, Democrats may cling to divisive issues like defund-the-police echoes or aggressive cultural wars, repelling the non-ideological public weary of extremes.
—Nafees Alam, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025
Much of Gen Z entered adulthood amid pandemic isolation, political polarization, climate anxiety, and epidemic‑level burnout.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 21 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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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