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
Ozzy was crowned as the genre’s spokesperson, mascot, and lightning rod.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 25 July 2025
With aid for Ukraine becoming a political lightning rod, sweeping credible allegations under the rug and pretending there is no problem is not the right move.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 24 July 2025
Wolfe-Simon, then a 33-year-old NASA astrobiology fellow, became a scientific celebrity practically overnight—and also a lightning rod for controversy.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 24 July 2025
Diversity, equity and inclusion, known as DEI, has become a lightning rod across all sectors.
—Taryn Palumbo, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
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Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 25 July 2025
With aid for Ukraine becoming a political lightning rod, sweeping credible allegations under the rug and pretending there is no problem is not the right move.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 24 July 2025
Wolfe-Simon, then a 33-year-old NASA astrobiology fellow, became a scientific celebrity practically overnight—and also a lightning rod for controversy.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 24 July 2025
Diversity, equity and inclusion, known as DEI, has become a lightning rod across all sectors.
—Taryn Palumbo, Forbes.com, 15 July 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 3 Aug. 2025.
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