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
She's been viewed by members of both major parties as both a lightning rod and an advocate for change, in a similar vein to Trump himself.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Fly like a jet stream Swift became a lightning rod in the debate over carbon dioxide emissions in 2022 after a study published by the Yard, a content and public relations firm, put the Eras Tour singer at the top of a wasteful list.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
The other side: The political lightning rod sparked protests and testimony from over 1,500 opponents, including educators, health care workers, labor unions and free speech advocates.
—Alissa Widman Neese, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Fly like a jet stream Swift became a lightning rod in the debate over carbon dioxide emissions in 2022 after a study published by the Yard, a content and public relations firm, put the Eras Tour singer at the top of a wasteful list.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
The other side: The political lightning rod sparked protests and testimony from over 1,500 opponents, including educators, health care workers, labor unions and free speech advocates.
—Alissa Widman Neese, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025
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
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 29 Apr. 2025.
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