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
But the effort has also become a lightning rod.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
In office, Cheney became a lightning rod for critics of the administration.
—Don Gonyea, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025
Given the times and the political temperature, The Resurrection Of The Christ is likely to be another lightning rod for debate.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025
Just a few more blocks away is the derelict CVS that has become a lightning rod of neighborhood fury, a monument to gross neglect.
—Wes Burdine, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
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Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
In office, Cheney became a lightning rod for critics of the administration.
—Don Gonyea, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025
Given the times and the political temperature, The Resurrection Of The Christ is likely to be another lightning rod for debate.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025
Just a few more blocks away is the derelict CVS that has become a lightning rod of neighborhood fury, a monument to gross neglect.
—Wes Burdine, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 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 7 Nov. 2025.
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