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
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Madsen has been right in the middle of Boise State’s inability to beat the best teams the past couple of seasons, as quarterbacks generally are lightning rods.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 14 Dec. 2025
The boat strikes have become a political lightning rod for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, after survivors of a strike in September were killed in what many Democrats have called a war crime.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2025
This groundbreaking film won the Grand Jury Prize at the 1991 Sundance Film Festival and became a lightning rod in the culture wars, with conservative politicians attempting to defund the NEA over its support.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 Dec. 2025
Few would argue that Sanders has been a lightning rod since he was drafted.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
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Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 14 Dec. 2025
The boat strikes have become a political lightning rod for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, after survivors of a strike in September were killed in what many Democrats have called a war crime.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2025
This groundbreaking film won the Grand Jury Prize at the 1991 Sundance Film Festival and became a lightning rod in the culture wars, with conservative politicians attempting to defund the NEA over its support.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 Dec. 2025
Few would argue that Sanders has been a lightning rod since he was drafted.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 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 22 Dec. 2025.
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