polarize

/ˈpoʊləˌraɪz/
verb
  1. To cause people or opinions to divide into two opposite groups.
    • The controversial law polarized the nation.
    • Issues like immigration tend to polarize public opinion.
    • His comments polarized the audience into supporters and critics.
  2. To cause light or other radiation to vibrate in a particular direction.
    • Scientists use special lenses to polarize the beam in the experiment.
    • The filter polarizes the light, reducing glare.
    • Certain crystals can polarize electromagnetic waves.
  3. To give polarity to something, such as a magnet or an electric charge.
    • The battery terminals are polarized to ensure correct connection.
    • Applying a voltage can polarize the material.
    • The magnetic field polarizes the particles in the solution.
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What does "polarize" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean