What is Merriam Webster Dictionary’s Word of the Year?

The annual report says that we looked up the word “polarization” more than any other word in the past 12 months.  The dictionary staff said the search resulted from “the desire of Americans to better understand the complex state of affairs in our country and around the world.”  It also pertained to pop culture events and persons.  Other popular-searched words included:  demure, fortnight, totality, pander and resonate.