I. pəˈlemik, pōˈ-, -mēk noun
( -s )
Etymology: French polémique, from Middle French polemique, from polemique, adjective
1.
a. : a controversial discussion or argument : an aggressive attack on or the refutation of the opinions or principles of another
the premises of our polemic against totalitarianism — J.M.Cameron
dismiss these books as cold-war polemics — Karl Meyer
repeating old and weary polemics — Irving Howe
b. : the art or practice of disputation or controversy
neither descended to crude polemic — Richard Hoggart
his active polemic against … liberals — A.C.McGiffert
the style too frequently descends to the level of polemics — M.S.Handler
— usually used in plural but usually sing. in constr.
the book … is a little masterpiece of polemics — Martin Gardner
2. : one that controverts an opinion, doctrine, or system : an aggressive controversialist : disputant
the sarcasms and invectives of the young polemic — T.B.Macaulay
3. polemics plural but singular in construction : the branch of Christian theology devoted to the refutation of errors — compare apologetics , irenics
II. adjective
Etymology: French polémique, from Middle French polemique, from Greek polemikos of or relating to war, from polemos war + -ikos -ic; akin to Old English eal felo baleful, Middle High German vālant devil, Old Norse felms fullr frightened, Gothic us filma astonished, Greek pelemizein to shake, pallein to shake, brandish, hurl
: polemical
written with a polemic purpose — A.C.McGiffert
the militant and polemic position of the church in the empire — H.O.Taylor
polemic journalist