( BrE also po·lar·ise ) / ˈpəʊləraɪz; NAmE ˈpoʊ-/ verb
1.
to separate or make people separate into two groups with completely opposite opinions :
[ v ]
Public opinion has polarized on this issue.
[ vn ]
The issue has polarized public opinion.
2.
[ vn ] ( physics ) to make waves of light, etc. vibrate in a single direction
3.
[ vn ] ( physics ) to give polarity to sth :
to polarize a magnet
► po·lar·iza·tion , po·lar·isa·tion / ˌpəʊləraɪˈzeɪʃn; NAmE ˌpoʊlərəˈz-/ noun [ U , C ]