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
That is a lightning rod for the conversation to shift the narrative in hair care, which is a mission of ours.
—James Manso, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
His first pick in charge — taking Kyle Pitts fourth in 2021 — still is a lightning rod for criticism, and last year’s draft class played the second-fewest snaps in the league.
—Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been a lightning rod for criticism over the federal government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2025
Rob Dillingham was a lightning rod of offense and energy.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
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James Manso, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
His first pick in charge — taking Kyle Pitts fourth in 2021 — still is a lightning rod for criticism, and last year’s draft class played the second-fewest snaps in the league.
—Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been a lightning rod for criticism over the federal government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2025
Rob Dillingham was a lightning rod of offense and energy.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 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 1 Mar. 2025.
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