Words / C1

POHL-uh-ryz/ˈpəʊləraɪz/

To polarise (British spelling; US polarize) is to split people into two opposing camps, with little middle ground: the debate polarised the class. Divide is everyday and milder; split can be physical. Polarisation is the noun (political polarisation). Polar opposite is a related idiom. Use it when the gap is ideological, not when people merely disagree over a restaurant.

Meaning

To divide people into two opposing groups.

Examples

• “The debate polarised the class.”
• “Coverage of the strike polarised the town.”
• “The issue has become so polarised that compromise sounds like betrayal.”

Good to know

British: polarise. polarise opinion/a community. Noun: polarisation. Stronger than divide.

Near in meaning

divide

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