First Known Use: 1811
Dictionary
polarize
verb po·lar·ize \ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz\
: to cause (people, opinions, etc.) to separate into opposing groups
physics : to cause (something, such as light waves) to vibrate in a particular pattern
physics : to cause (something) to have positive and negative charges : to give polarity to (something)
po·lar·izedpo·lar·iz·ing
Full Definition of POLARIZE
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 \ˌpō-lə-ˌrī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— po·lar·iz·able \ˌpō-lə-ˈrī-zə-bəl\ adjective
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Origin of POLARIZE
French polariser, from New Latin polaris polar
Related to POLARIZE
- Synonyms
- center, compact, concenter, concentrate, consolidate, centralize, unify, unite
- Antonyms
- decentralize, deconcentrate, spread (out)
Rhymes with POLARIZE
advertise, agonize, alchemize, analyze, anglicize, anodize, anywise, aphorize, arborize, atomize, authorize, autolyze, balkanize, barbarize, bastardize, bestialize, bolshevize, booby prize, botanize, bowdlerize, brutalize, canalize, canonize, capsulize, caramelize, carbonize, cartelize, catalyze, catechize, cauterize, centralize, channelize, Christianize, cicatrize, circumcise, civilize, classicize, colonize, colorize, communize, compromise, concertize, concretize, creolize, criticize, customize, demonize, deputize, dialyze, digitize, disfranchise, dogmatize, dramatize, elegize, empathize, emphasize, energize, enfranchise, enterprise, equalize, erotize, eternize, etherize, eulogize, euphemize, exercise, exorcise, factorize, fantasize, federalize, feminize, fertilize, feudalize, fictionize, finalize, focalize, formalize, formulize, fossilize, fragmentize, fraternize, gallicize, galvanize, germanize, ghettoize, glamorize, globalize, gormandize, gothicize, gourmandize, grecianize, harmonize, heathenize, hebraize, hellenize, heroize, hierarchize, humanize, hybridize, hypnotize, idolize, immunize, iodize, ionize, ironize, Islamize, itemize, jeopardize, journalize, Judaize, laicize, latinize, legalize, lionize, liquidize, localize, magnetize, marbleize, martyrize, maximize, mechanize, melanize, melodize, memorize, merchandise, mesmerize, methodize, metricize, minimize, mobilize, modernize, moisturize, mongrelize, moralize, motorize, mythicize, narcotize, nasalize, nebulize, neutralize, normalize, notarize, novelize, obelize, odorize, optimize, organize, ostracize, otherwise, oversize, oxidize, paganize, palletize, paradise, paralyze, pasteurize, patronize, pauperize, penalize, penny-wise, personalize, pidginize, plasticize, Platonize, pluralize, pocket-size, poetize, polemize, pressurize, privatize, profitwise, prussianize, publicize, pulverize, racialize, randomize, rationalize, realize, recognize, rhapsodize, robotize, romanize, sanitize, satirize, scandalize, schematize, schismatize, scrutinize, sensitize, sermonize, signalize, simonize, sinicize, slenderize, sloganize, socialize, sodomize, solarize, solemnize, specialize, stabilize, Stalinize, standardize, sterilize, stigmatize, strategize, subsidize, summarize, supervise, syllogize, symbolize, sympathize, synchronize, syncretize, synopsize, synthesize, systemize, tantalize, televise, temporize, tenderize, terrorize, tetanize, teutonize, texturize, theorize, thermalize, totalize, tranquilize, traumatize, tyrannize, unionize, unitize, urbanize, utilize, valorize, vandalize, vaporize, verbalize, vernalize, victimize, vitalize, vocalize, vulcanize, vulgarize, weather-wise, weatherize, westernize, winterize, womanize, worldly-wise
Medical Dictionary
polarize
verb po·lar·ize
po·lar·ized also British po·lar·isedpo·lar·iz·ing also British po·lar·is·ing
Medical Definition of POLARIZE
transitive verb
1
: to cause (as light waves) to vibrate in a definite pattern
2
: to give physical polarity to
intransitive verb
: to become polarized
Variants of POLARIZE
po·lar·ize also British po·lar·ise \ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz\
Learn More About POLARIZE
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