noun
- a controversial argument, as one against some opinion, doctrine, etc.
- a person who argues in opposition to another; controversialist.
adjective
- Also po·lem·i·cal. of or relating to a polemic; controversial.
adjective Also: po’lemical
- of or involving dispute or controversy
noun
- an argument or controversy, esp over a doctrine, belief, etc
- a person engaged in such an argument or controversy
n.1630s, “controversial argument or discussion,” from French polémique (16c./17c.), noun use of adjective meaning “disputatious, controversial” (see polemic (adj.)). adj.1640s, from French polémique (from Middle French polemique) “disputatious, controversial,” or directly from Greek polemikos “of war, warlike, belligerent; skilled in war, fit for service; like an enemy, stirring up hostility,” from polemos “war,” of unknown origin. Related: Polemical (1630s).