polarize

verbdivide

Synonyms for polarize

verb divide

Antonyms for polarize

Word Origin & History

1811, in optics, from French polariser, coined by French physicist Étienne-Louis Malus (1775-1812) as a term in optics, from Modern Latin polaris "polar" (see polar). Transferred sense of "to accentuate a division in a group or system" is first recorded 1949 in Arthur Koestler. Related: Polarized; polarizing.

Example Sentences for polarize

There is nothing to be done but to polarize the needle over again.

These must have plenty of time to rest, as they polarize when the circuit is closed for a long time.

It may be said to polarize the idea, so often presented in his poetry, that doubt is a condition of the vitality of faith.

They impose themselves on men apart from reason and have the power to polarize men's thoughts and feelings in one direction.

They are also costly, since they do not last long and cannot be worked too hard unless they polarize.