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 issuesAric Press et al.

Examples of lightning rod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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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

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lightning rod was in 1770

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Cite this Entry

“Lightning rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightning%20rod. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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

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