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 Dodgers are the convenient lightning rod for all of this, as back-to-back World Series champions with an ownership that seems to care as much about winning as its fan base does.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026
Already her death has become a lightning rod in an already tense and divided nation.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 7 Jan. 2026
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was another lightning rod.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
The debate has become a lightning rod for national thought leaders looking to target California’s policies or the ultra-rich.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
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Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026
Already her death has become a lightning rod in an already tense and divided nation.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 7 Jan. 2026
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was another lightning rod.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
The debate has become a lightning rod for national thought leaders looking to target California’s policies or the ultra-rich.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 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 25 Jan. 2026.
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