lightning rod
noun
1
: a grounded metallic rod set up on a structure (such as a building) to protect it from lightning
2
: one that serves to divert attack from another
3
: one that is a frequent target of criticism or focus of controversy
she has become a convenient lightning rod for voters' discontent with law-and-order issues—
Aric Press et al.
Aric Press et al.Examples of lightning rod in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Because of his draft status and his contract, Power has become a lightning rod for criticism for a frustrated Sabres fan base.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
As a leader in the Communist Party USA and an associate of the Black Panther Party, Davis became a lightning rod for national controversy and state surveillance.
—Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Rising out of Mount Druitt, the group first made headlines for their raw drill sound, but soon became lightning rods for controversy and police scrutiny.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2025
With his high profile, confrontational statements and postings on social media, Musk has become a lightning rod for people opposed to the policies of the Trump administration.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
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Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
As a leader in the Communist Party USA and an associate of the Black Panther Party, Davis became a lightning rod for national controversy and state surveillance.
—Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Rising out of Mount Druitt, the group first made headlines for their raw drill sound, but soon became lightning rods for controversy and police scrutiny.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2025
With his high profile, confrontational statements and postings on social media, Musk has become a lightning rod for people opposed to the policies of the Trump administration.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
Cite this Entry
“Lightning rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightning%20rod. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
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