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.

Examples of lightning rod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Antetokounmpo wasted no time in starting to rave about the Heat culture, a phrase that has become a lightning rod for criticism from talking heads around the NBA — especially after the franchise slapped the word across shirts and jerseys. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Sacks, who served as an adviser to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel, has become a lightning rod for criticism from the progressive Chicago Teachers Union and its allies, who have decried the influence of the ultrawealthy in the race. — Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026

The series, a critical darling and cultural lightning rod, will return for five episodes. — Ethan Beck, Washington Post, 13 Oct. 2026

While Skydance may have become the latest lightning rod in an increasingly polarised and under pressure Hollywood, Bird is a pragmatist. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lightning rod

• amphipod
• arthropod
• copepod
• decapod
• endopod
• escalade
• esplanade
• exopod
• gastropod
• goldenrod
• isopod
• ostracod

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