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.

Examples of lightning rod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

No tracks would seem out of place strewn across the Abbey Road Studios cutting room floor — like if that fabled rooftop concert had been a lightning rod for entry into the powerpop mayhem of the ’70s rather than ultimately the final page of the storybook. —Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026

Gorman’s death quickly became a lightning rod in the polarizing discourse over immigration policy, as national and local conservative politicians placed blame on the state’s sanctuary laws. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026

Coulter became a lightning rod for the evening, ultimately overshadowing Lowe at his own roast. —Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 23 May 2026

With a growing share of Americans turning against the AI construction boom, data centers have become a convenient lightning rod for rising power bills. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 20 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lightning rod

• amphipod
• arthropod
• copepod
• decapod
• endopod
• escalade
• esplanade
• exopod
• gastropod
• goldenrod
• isopod
• ostracod

Kids Definition

lightning rod

noun

: a metal rod set up on a building or a ship and connected with the earth or water below to decrease the chances of damage from lightning