polarization
noun
po·lar·i·za·tion
ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 
plural polarizations
1
: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: such as
a(1)
: the action or process of affecting radiation and especially 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
2
: division into two sharply distinct opposites
especially
: a state in which the opinions, beliefs, or interests of a group or society no longer range along a continuum but become concentrated at opposing extremes
political polarization
… the relationship between partisan polarization and legislative gridlock is direct, with stalemate more frequent as the political center shrinks. —
Sarah A. Binder
Sarah A. Binder The drift in our society now is not toward a grouping around the middle, but toward polarization. —Richard Todd
Richard Todd … the venue where our most fractious … arguments over identity occur: the internet. These arguments do not play out on a democratized playing field where all identities are weighted equally; rather, they play out in a meticulously crafted environment where identities are microtargeted and polarization is amplified by algorithms. —Emma Levy
Emma Levy Examples of polarization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The vice mayor will not run for reelection, creating a vacancy that could either bring in a council member aligned with the mayor or maintain the current state of polarization in the chambers.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 29 May 2024
This polarization has in some ways overshadowed the excitement of the prospect of electing the country’s first female leader.
—Riley Robinson, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for polarization 
Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 29 May 2024
This polarization has in some ways overshadowed the excitement of the prospect of electing the country’s first female leader.
—Riley Robinson, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for polarization
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“Polarization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarization. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
polarization
noun
po·lar·iza·tion
variants
also British polarisation
: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: as
a(1)
: the action or process of affecting radiation and especially 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 caused by the deposition of gas on one or both electrodes
c
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