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
Age was one of the lightning rods of the 2024 presidential election, as voters repeatedly expressed concerns about President Biden's fitness for office before a disastrous debate performance helped force him out of the race.
—Ivana Saric, Axios, 27 Dec. 2024
Her comments arrive as Beyoncé's performances increasingly serve as both cultural milestones and lightning rods for debate.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
The State Department's Global Engagement Center, the highly touted nerve center for coordinating U.S. efforts to counter foreign disinformation – especially by Russia and China – shut down this week after becoming a lightning rod for conservative criticism.
—Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2024
Azealia Banks, lightning rod and occasional oracle, is voting for Kamala Harris despite not liking her and previously supporting Trump.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
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Ivana Saric, Axios, 27 Dec. 2024
Her comments arrive as Beyoncé's performances increasingly serve as both cultural milestones and lightning rods for debate.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
The State Department's Global Engagement Center, the highly touted nerve center for coordinating U.S. efforts to counter foreign disinformation – especially by Russia and China – shut down this week after becoming a lightning rod for conservative criticism.
—Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2024
Azealia Banks, lightning rod and occasional oracle, is voting for Kamala Harris despite not liking her and previously supporting Trump.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lightning rod
Dictionary Entries Near lightning rod
Cite this Entry
“Lightning rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightning%20rod. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
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