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
The primary leadership challenges today include navigating uncertainty, unprecedented change and polarization.
—Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Leo said in a 2023 interview with Vatican News that the polarization in the church was a wound that needed to be healed.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
National brands feel boxed in by the political climate and the nation’s growing polarization, said Bob Witeck, president of Witeck Communications, which specializes in LGBTQ+ marketing.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 7 May 2025
But a major contributor seems to be political polarization.
—Allie Volpe, Vox, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarization
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Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Leo said in a 2023 interview with Vatican News that the polarization in the church was a wound that needed to be healed.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
National brands feel boxed in by the political climate and the nation’s growing polarization, said Bob Witeck, president of Witeck Communications, which specializes in LGBTQ+ marketing.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 7 May 2025
But a major contributor seems to be political polarization.
—Allie Volpe, Vox, 7 May 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 31 May. 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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