‘Polarization’ is word of the year amid deepening societal splits
In a year marked by stark divisions, the United States’ oldest dictionary, Merriam-Webster, has declared “polarization” the word of 2024.
The choice reflects deepening divides not just in American society during the heated presidential race, but also globally.
The term has gained traction in media coverage of global social issues.
Merriam-Webster defines “polarization” as the clustering of opinions at extreme opposites within a group or society.
Other notable dictionary picks include Oxford highlighting “brain rot,” Cambridge choosing “manifest,” and Dictionary.com selecting “demure,” spurred by its popular use in social media satire.