divisive
adj.describing something that causes people to argue or disagree strongly. It splits a group into two sides that do not like each other.
adj.causing or tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people. Often describes topics, policies, or figures that polarise public opinion.
“The new law is very divisive among local voters.”
“The politician's divisive comments about immigration led to heated protests and counter-protests across the city.”
“The proposed redevelopment of the historic district proved highly divisive, pitting preservationists against developers in a bitter legal battle that lasted for several years.”
Often used with 'highly', 'deeply', or 'extremely'. Typically precedes the noun it modifies or follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.
“A British and Irish Jewish group criticised the Israeli prime minister’s comments as hateful and divisive.”
“Plans to ban foreign nationals from social housing under a Conservative government have been condemned as “divisive”.”
Borrowed from Latin dīvīsīvus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.