polarize

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

polarize
    v 1: cause to vibrate in a definite pattern; "polarize light
         waves" [syn: {polarize}, {polarise}]
    2: cause to concentrate about two conflicting or contrasting
       positions [syn: {polarize}, {polarise}]
    3: become polarized in a conflict or contrasting situation [syn:
       {polarize}, {polarise}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Polarize \Po"lar*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Polarized}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Polarizing}.] [Cf. F. polariser.]
   To communicate polarity to.
   [1913 Webster]

from Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0

19 Moby Thesaurus words for "polarize":
      bump heads, confront, contend, contrapose, contraposit, contrast,
      counteract, face, front, lie opposite, match, meet head-on, oppose,
      pose against, put in opposition, set over against, stand opposed,
      stand opposite, subtend

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