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
Since then, the world’s richest person has been a lightning rod for criticism due to his involvement with DOGE.
—Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025
His electric vehicle manufacturing company Tesla became a political lightning rod as the weeks went on, with protesters expressing their frustrations at company showrooms, charging stations and some vehicles.
—Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 1 May 2025
Yet today, the acronym capturing these three words (DEI) has become a political lightning rod driving decisions like eliminating federal recognition of AANHPI Heritage Month.
—Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Largely because of widespread online misinformation given credence by political leaders on the right, these agencies became lightning rods and officials were vilified by MAGA.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
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Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025
His electric vehicle manufacturing company Tesla became a political lightning rod as the weeks went on, with protesters expressing their frustrations at company showrooms, charging stations and some vehicles.
—Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 1 May 2025
Yet today, the acronym capturing these three words (DEI) has become a political lightning rod driving decisions like eliminating federal recognition of AANHPI Heritage Month.
—Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Largely because of widespread online misinformation given credence by political leaders on the right, these agencies became lightning rods and officials were vilified by MAGA.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 4 Apr. 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 15 May. 2025.
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