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

Coulter became a lightning rod for the evening, ultimately overshadowing Lowe at his own roast. —Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 23 May 2026

With a growing share of Americans turning against the AI construction boom, data centers have become a convenient lightning rod for rising power bills. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 20 May 2026

But Ono quickly became a political lightning rod. —Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026

The nation's limited stockpiles of expensive weapon systems, including advanced missile interceptors, have become a lightning rod during the Iran war. —CBS News, 14 May 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