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

Pride Nights have become a cultural lightning rod, especially in the aftermath of four Christian San Francisco Giants pitchers, who decided to protest their team’s Pride Night. —Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026

The 2026 World Cup has been a lightning rod for political controversy thus far. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 19 June 2026

Today, lightning rods can be found on top of skyscrapers around the world, including the iconic spire topping One Liberty Place in Center City. —Brandon Goldner, CBS News, 17 June 2026

At an earlier point in his career, Lil Nas X was a lightning rod for attention — whether in the form of Number One singles or outraged controversy surrounding his visual output. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 17 June 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