polarize

Universal Words (BrE also polarise) verb 1 to separate or make people separate into two groups with completely opposite opinions: [V] Public opinion has polarized on this issue. * [VN] The issue has polarized public opinion. 2 [VN] (physics) to make waves of light, etc. VIBRATE in a single direction 3 [VN] (physics) to give polarity to sth: to polarize a magnet polarization, polarisation noun [U,C]