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.
Aric Press et al.Examples of lightning rod in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Not so for these nuptials, which have become a lightning rod for protests.
—Paolo Santalucia, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
The footage is challenging stereotypes surrounding a breed that has become a lightning rod for controversy across the U.K., where the family are based.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Once a target of curiosity and occasional subject of criticism, US higher ed had become fodder for extreme political agendas, a lightning rod, and a national target of animosity.
—David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
The Mexican flag was a lightning rod during the 1994 movement against California’s Proposition 187, which sought to bar undocumented immigrants from accessing education, health care and social services.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
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Paolo Santalucia, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
The footage is challenging stereotypes surrounding a breed that has become a lightning rod for controversy across the U.K., where the family are based.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Once a target of curiosity and occasional subject of criticism, US higher ed had become fodder for extreme political agendas, a lightning rod, and a national target of animosity.
—David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
The Mexican flag was a lightning rod during the 1994 movement against California’s Proposition 187, which sought to bar undocumented immigrants from accessing education, health care and social services.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
Cite this Entry
“Lightning rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightning%20rod. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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