[po.lar.i.za.tion] n (1812) 1: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: as a (1): the action or process of affecting radiation and esp. 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: magnetization
2. a: division into two opposites b: concentration about opposing extremes of groups or interests formerly ranged on a continuum