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

None of this happened overnight, though goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s late-summer departure to Como on loan appears to have promoted Gusto to the position of chief lightning rod when Chelsea are struggling. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

As the Scream franchise continues to serve as a cultural lightning rod in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Matthew Lillard is making his voice heard. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2026

Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour, in the span of less than two weeks, became an unexpected lightning rod for controversy and conversation about artist activism amid Israel’s deadly war in Gaza. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

McBride, the first transgender member of Congress, has become a lightning rod in Congress among Republicans in her first term. — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 15 Sep. 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