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

Kiswani has been a lightning rod for political controversy, even taking stands against Mayor Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor and staunch proponent of Palestinian rights. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026

Among the schools that will be anxiously waiting tonight’s bracket reveal is Miami (Ohio), whose résumé became a lightning rod for debate. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026

Ticket prices Tickets have become a political lightning rod as FIFA’s decision to use dynamic pricing and take 15 percent on both ends of resale on their own platform have attracted criticism. —Adam Crafton, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026

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

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