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

Those air pollution concerns have been a lightning rod for environmental advocacy groups here in the Mid-South, as xAI continues relying heavily on gas turbines to meet its power demands in Memphis and Southaven. —Neil Strebig, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 5 Mar. 2026

The referendum has been a lightning rod for discussion among residents, a source of confusion for city officials and the subject of a lawsuit brought by business groups, including the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce. —Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 2 Mar. 2026

For the past several months, the board has been a lightning rod of controversy. —Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026

With Las Vegas rebuilding a thin roster and Philadelphia looking to calm the waters around lightning rod quarterback Jalen Hurts, sources believe there is a good chance both players could be dealt. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 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
• overawed

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