lightning rod

noun

Definition of lightning rod

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

As for Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, his open and unabashed acceptance of the support of President Donald Trump could prove to be a lightning rod of sorts for him. — Carol Cain, Detroit Free Press, "It's not a normal election year in Michigan — again," 16 June 2018 The Kochs’ activism and campaign spending have long made them a political lightning rod. — Julie Bykowicz, WSJ, "David Koch Steps Down From Company, Political Groups," 5 June 2018 More: Monsanto shedding name: Bayer acquisition leads to change for environmental lightning rodThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has gone back and forth on considering glyphosate a possible carcinogen. — Ashley May, USA TODAY, "Lawsuits alleging weed killer Roundup caused cancer given green light by San Francisco judge," 11 July 2018 Indeed, as much of a lightning rod as James has been at various points in his career, what critic in his or her right mind could find fault in his latest reputational climb up that mythical Mt. St. Michael? — Harvey Araton, New York Times, "With Sheer Will, LeBron James Leads the Cavaliers Back to the Finals," 27 May 2018 But rather than quell tensions, the swift police action has had the opposite effect, transforming the case into a lightning rod for radical sectarian anger. — Steve George, CNN, "Murder and rape of 8-year-old inflames religious tensions in northern India," 13 Apr. 2018 Facial-recognition technology has been a lightning rod for criticism. — Jay Greene, WSJ, "Microsoft Calls on Government to Regulate Facial-Recognition Technology," 13 July 2018 But Brolin loves the fan furor on the internet over his lightning rod characters, especially Thanos. — Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, "'Sicario' star Josh Brolin is smiling over his killer summer, even with superhero deaths," 26 June 2018 Semenya has long been a lightning rod for complaints on this issue, facing gender tests as opponents questioned her winning times. — David Wharton, latimes.com, "Track federation vows to fight for new rule barring female athletes with naturally high testosterone," 19 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lightning rod.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.