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polarize

verb

/ˈpəʊlərʌɪz/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of polarize

To divide into two opposing groups or extremes, typically relating to opinions, attitudes, or beliefs.
"The controversial issue continues to polarize public opinion."

Detailed meaning of polarize

It refers to a process in which a society or group becomes divided into opposing factions that hold fundamentally different views or values. For example, a political issue might polarize a country, with people taking strongly opposing positions that are difficult to reconcile. Alternatively, a social issue such as racism or gender equality might polarize a community, with people holding different views on how to address the problem. The verb "polarize" suggests a sense of division or separation, and implies that something is causing people to become divided into opposing camps. It is often used in discussions of politics, social issues, and cultural trends, where the polarization of society can have significant consequences for the well-being of individuals and communities.

Example sentences containing polarize

1. The political debate will polarize voters on both sides.
2. The divisive topic has the potential to polarize communities.
3. The decision to cut funding for education will polarize parents and educators.
4. The new policy is expected to polarize employees within the organization.
5. The issue of gun control tends to polarize people along party lines.
6. The proposal to raise taxes will polarize the business community.

History and etymology of polarize

The verb 'polarize' finds its origins in the realm of science and physics. It stems from the noun 'pole,' which dates back to the 17th century and is rooted in the Latin word 'polus,' meaning 'end' or 'extremity.' This term was first employed in the context of magnets, where the north and south poles represent opposing extremities with distinct magnetic properties. Over time, the concept of polarization expanded beyond physics to describe the division or separation of ideas, opinions, or beliefs into opposing extremes, much like the way the magnetic poles repel each other. Hence, the etymology of 'polarize' reflects its evolution from the physical realm to the metaphorical, emphasizing the creation of stark oppositions or divisions.

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Further usage examples of polarize

1. The candidate's stance on immigration is likely to polarize voters.
2. The controversial book will polarize readers with its provocative content.
3. The social media post has the power to polarize followers.
4. The court ruling is expected to polarize public opinion on the matter.
5. The economic crisis could polarize the country's social classes.
6. The decision to close the local hospital will polarize the community.
7. The documentary aims to polarize viewers with its unconventional narrative.
8. The scientific discovery has the potential to polarize the academic community.
9. The proposed changes to the healthcare system will polarize stakeholders.
10. The controversial art exhibit is likely to polarize art enthusiasts.
11. The new regulations will polarize the business sector.
12. The media coverage of the event could polarize public sentiment.
13. The controversial topic had the power to polarize even the closest friends.
14. Political debates often polarize voters along party lines.
15. Social media can polarize public opinion on sensitive issues.
16. The decision to relocate the company's headquarters polarized the employees.
17. The new policy proposal threatened to polarize the community.
18. The movie's ending was so divisive that it polarized the audience.
19. The controversial art exhibit managed to polarize art critics.
20. Economic disparities can polarize society into haves and have-nots.
21. The heated discussion about gun control legislation continued to polarize the nation.
22. The coach's decision to bench the star player polarized the team.
23. The election results were expected to polarize the nation even further.