1. causing people to divide into opposing groups with different opinions
2. relating to or involving the polarization of light waves
Usage: physics; optics

Examples

• The candidate’s polarizing comments divided the community.
• Social media can be a polarizing force in politics.
• The polarizing debate lasted for hours without resolution.
• His polarizing leadership style created tension in the workplace.
• Polarizing sunglasses reduce glare by filtering light waves.
• The scientist studied polarizing filters in her optics research.