polarised
|po-la-rised|
🇺🇸
/ˈpoʊ.ləˌraɪzd/
🇬🇧
/ˈpəʊ.ləˌraɪzd/
(polarise)
make into poles; split into opposites
Etymology
'polarise' originates from French, specifically the word 'polariser', ultimately from New Latin 'polaris', where 'polaris' meant 'of a pole'.
'polarise' entered English in the mid 19th century from French 'polariser', which in turn was formed from New Latin 'polaris' derived from Latin 'polus' (pole).
Initially it meant 'to give or relate to poles', and over time it evolved to mean 'to cause polarization' in physics and metaphorically 'to divide into opposite groups'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'polarise'.
The debate was polarised by a few extreme statements.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
divided into two sharply contrasting groups, positions, or opinions; showing strong disagreement or opposite extremes.
The electorate has become increasingly polarised on the issue.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/21 22:45
