polarizeverb [ T ]
UK usually polarise uk/ˈpəʊ.lə.raɪz/us/ˈpoʊ.lə.raɪz/to cause something, especially something that contains different people or opinions, to divide into two completely opposing groups:
The debate is becoming polarized and there seems to be no middle ground.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Separating and dividing
- atomize
- bifurcate
- bifurcation
- bisect
- borderline
- branch
- disestablish
- dismember
- dissociate
- dissociate yourself from sth
- disunite
- divide
- drift
- quarter
- ravel
- resolve
- resolve sth into sth
- rive
- riven
- tear 1
See more results »
polarization
noun [ U ] UK usually polarisation uk/ˌpəʊ.lə.raɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/us/ˌpoʊ.lɚ.əˈzeɪ.ʃən/
The polarization of society into rich and poor can clearly be seen in urban areas.