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.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for lightning rod
The first known use of lightning rod was in 1773
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