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
The iPhone Ultra is a high-margin smartphone that can serve as a lightning rod to attract the highest and most affluent consumers.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
However, upon release, both Hollywood and audiences weren’t too sure what to make of Carrey’s latest comedy vehicle, with his (then) record-setting $20 million payday being used as a headline-generating critical lightning rod.
—Simon Bland, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
In recent years, drag has been positioned as a cultural lightning rod as part of a right-wing political effort to paint drag artists as depraved actors out to pervert gender norms, especially for children.
—David MacK, CNN Money, 10 June 2026
As vilification of the Founders and the Revolution became more common, both in academia and in society at large, Wood functioned as part elder statesman and part lightning rod.
—Craig Bruce Smith, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
However, upon release, both Hollywood and audiences weren’t too sure what to make of Carrey’s latest comedy vehicle, with his (then) record-setting $20 million payday being used as a headline-generating critical lightning rod.
—Simon Bland, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
In recent years, drag has been positioned as a cultural lightning rod as part of a right-wing political effort to paint drag artists as depraved actors out to pervert gender norms, especially for children.
—David MacK, CNN Money, 10 June 2026
As vilification of the Founders and the Revolution became more common, both in academia and in society at large, Wood functioned as part elder statesman and part lightning rod.
—Craig Bruce Smith, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026
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 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
