Polarize: meaning, definitions and examples
⚖️
polarize
[ ˈpəʊləraɪz ]
social context
To polarize means to cause people or groups to separate into opposing factions or contrasting positions. This can occur in various situations, particularly within social, political, and ideological debates. As a result, the perspectives of those involved become increasingly divided and extreme. A polarized environment typically leads to an inability to find common ground, which can exacerbate conflicts.
Synonyms
distort, divide, separate, split.
Examples of usage
- The political debate polarized the community.
- Media coverage can polarize public opinion.
- Social media often polarizes discussions among users.
Translations
Translations of the word "polarize" in other languages:
🇵🇹 polarizar
🇮🇳 ध्रुवीकृत करना
🇩🇪 polarisieren
🇮🇩 mempolarize
🇺🇦 поляризувати
🇵🇱 polaryzować
🇯🇵 偏光する
🇫🇷 polariser
🇪🇸 polarizar
🇹🇷 polarize etmek
🇰🇷 편광하다
🇸🇦 استقطاب
🇨🇿 polarizovat
🇸🇰 polarizovať
🇨🇳 极化
🇸🇮 polarizirati
🇮🇸 skautast
🇰🇿 поляризациялау
🇬🇪 პოლარიზება
🇦🇿 polarizasiya
🇲🇽 polarizar
Etymology
The word 'polarize' originates from the mid-19th century, derived from the root word 'polar,' which pertains to the poles or extremes. The term was first used in optics to describe light waves that vibrate in a single plane, thus distinguishing one kind of light from another. Over time, the meaning evolved and began to encompass the idea of division and contrast in various contexts. In political discourse, the concept of polarization emerged to describe the growing divisions within society as people's opinions become more extreme. This transition reflects broader changes in communication, culture, and media, highlighting the ways different factors influence people's views.