v.
Pronunciation: ' p ō -l ə - ˌ r ī z
Function: verb
Inflected Form: -ized ; -iz · ing
Etymology: French polariser, from New Latin polaris polar
Date: 1811
transitive verb
1 : to cause (as light waves) to vibrate in a definite pattern
2 : to give physical polarity to
3 : to break up into opposing factions or groupings <a campaign that polarized the electorate>
4 : CONCENTRATE 1 <recreate a cohesive rock community by polarizing ⋯ an amorphous, fragmented audience ― Ellen Willis>
intransitive verb : to become polarized
– po · lar · iz · abil · i · ty \ ˌ p ō -l ə - ˌ r ī -z ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē \ noun
– po · lar · iz · able \ ˌ p ō -l ə - ' r ī -z ə -b ə l \ adjective