polarize

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The "political", no-matter what is said in theory and practice tends to polarize, of which democracy is seen a tool for diffusing conflicting waves generated in the process.

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Definitions (14)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (4)

  1. transitive verb To induce polarization in; impart polarity to.
  2. transitive verb To cause to concentrate about two conflicting or contrasting positions.
  3. intransitive verb To acquire polarity.

Toggle Century definitions Century Dictionary (6)

Toggle GNU Webster definitions GNU Webster's 1913 (1)

Toggle WordNet definitions WordNet (3)

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Examples (50)

  • People around here tend to really polarize issues We need to call the cops, the Army, the CIA, I thought, but since Dad left us, I was afraid if I made Mother angry, she'd leave me, too. —  F ;SF; - vol 092 issue 04 - April 1997
  • I de-polarize the window and the golden dawn of Earth's final day fills the room with light. —  Aeon Eight
  • The plan always was to be grass roots promoters, be divisive, polarize, demonize, desentitize. —  Bene Diction Blogs On
  • If groups or subgroups form and polarize, this is the first step towards freezing forward momentum. —  Recently Uploaded Slideshows
  • American presence in the area will only polarize the locals as more and more non-combatant "collateral damage" results from defensive American / NATO action. —  open Democracy News Analysis - Comments
 

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This word has been looked up 58 times.

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Etymologies (1)

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. = French polariser = Spanish polarizar = Italian polarizzare; as polar + -ize.
 

Pronunciations
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/ˈpoʊləraɪz/
by American Heritage

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