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

Of course, this has not been a typical time for Marte, who once again became a lightning rod of controversy after the three-time All-Star was a no-show on Monday against the Boston Red Sox. — Marc Carig, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Approval of the treatment would also be a boon for Moderna’s mRNA platform, which has become a political lightning rod. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026

Suarez has been a lightning rod for conflict since he was elected to the City Commission in 2023, critiquing the city administration while pushing for significant changes. — Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026

Jonathan Isaac Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac became one of the NBA's most prominent voices defending individual choice during the pandemic, after becoming a cultural lightning rod for refusing to kneel for the anthem in the NBA Bubble. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 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