Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Polemic
Po-lem′ic
,Adj.
[Gr. [GREEK] warlike, fr.[GREEK] war: cf. F.
polémique
.] 1.
Of or pertaining to controversy; maintaining, or involving, controversy; controversial; disputative;
as, a
polemic
discourse or essay; polemic
theology.2.
Engaged in, or addicted to, polemics, or to controversy; disputations;
as, a
. polemic
writerSouth.
Po-lem′ic
,Noun.
1.
One who writes in support of one opinion, doctrine, or system, in opposition to another; one skilled in polemics; a controversialist; a disputant.
The sarcasms and invectives of the young
polemic
. Macaulay.
2.
A polemic argument or controversy.
Webster 1828 Edition
Polemic
POLEM'IC
Definition 2025
polemic
polemic
English
Alternative forms
- polemick (obsolete)
Noun
polemic (plural polemics)
- A person who writes in support of one opinion, doctrine, or system, in opposition to another; one skilled in polemics; a controversialist; a disputant.
- An argument or controversy.
- A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something.
Synonyms
- (person): controversialist, disputant, polemicist
- (strong verbal or written attack): harangue, screed, rant, tirade, philippic
Derived terms
Translations
argument or controversy
Adjective
polemic (comparative more polemic, superlative most polemic)
- Having the characteristics of a polemic.
Synonyms
Translations
having the characteristics of a polemic
External links
- polemic in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- polemic in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911