polemize

Polemize is a verb that means to engage in polemics: to argue against or refute a doctrine, policy, or person. It can refer to composing polemical writing or delivering controversial speech intended to criticize or overturn an opposing position. The act may involve sharpening rhetoric, presenting counterarguments, and challenging assumptions, often within a broader dispute or public debate.

The term derives from Greek polemikos meaning “of war,” from polemos meaning “war.” It entered English via Latin and French and is related to the noun polemic and the adjective polemical. Spelling variations include polemize (US) and polemicise (British).

In scholarly contexts, polemizing is used to describe a forceful but reasoned challenge to a position. In journalistic or political contexts, it can imply adversarial rhetoric or partisanship. The word does not necessarily imply falsehood; it signals an intent to argue against the other side and to persuade an audience.

Related concepts include polemic, polemicist, disputation, argumentation, and rhetoric.