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.
Aric Press et al.Examples of lightning rod in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the effort has also become a lightning rod.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
In office, Cheney became a lightning rod for critics of the administration.
—Don Gonyea, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025
But when Derek Huffman voluntarily joined the Russian army in May, the family became a lightning rod for broader online scrutiny.
—Caroline Radnofsky, NBC news, 2 Nov. 2025
Given the times and the political temperature, The Resurrection Of The Christ is likely to be another lightning rod for debate.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
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Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
In office, Cheney became a lightning rod for critics of the administration.
—Don Gonyea, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025
But when Derek Huffman voluntarily joined the Russian army in May, the family became a lightning rod for broader online scrutiny.
—Caroline Radnofsky, NBC news, 2 Nov. 2025
Given the times and the political temperature, The Resurrection Of The Christ is likely to be another lightning rod for debate.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
Cite this Entry
“Lightning rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightning%20rod. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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