polarize
|po/lar/ize|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈpoʊləˌraɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˈpəʊləˌraɪz/
divide into opposites
Etymology
Etymology Information
'polarize' originates from the French word 'polariser', which is derived from 'pôle', meaning 'pole'.
Historical Evolution
'polariser' transformed into the English word 'polarize' in the 19th century.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to align with poles', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to divide into opposing groups'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to cause something, especially a group or situation, to divide into two opposing groups.
The debate over the new policy polarized the community.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39