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

Along the way, he was sued by his former cofounder Elon Musk and became a lightning rod executive for the hype and fear surrounding the AI story. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026

Now, Khelif has emerged as an unwitting lightning rod in the culture wars shaping elite sports and likely to influence new International Olympic Committee (IOC) policies on women’s eligibility. —Kara Fox, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026

Still, the trade has become a lightning rod for conversation among the 76ers’ fan base. —David Aldridge, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026

The lightning rod former New York Times opinion columnist was handed the reins at CBS News in October. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 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