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
The actor, who stars in this weekend’s upcoming wide release, Snow White, has become a lightning rod of a figure amid the Israel-Gaza conflict as she’s outspoken in support of her home country.
—Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2025
With Black consumers having $2 trillion in buying power, this boycott could be the lightning rod that sparks a much wider movement.
—Allyson Kapin, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Sinclair has long been a lightning rod of controversy in the field because of that defiance—among other things.
—Alice Park, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
The bill is the latest twist in the nearly decade-long saga of ethnic studies in California, which has become a lightning rod for culture war arguments about diversity, history and racial identity — especially during the Israel-Gaza war that erupted in October 2023.
—Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2025
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Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2025
With Black consumers having $2 trillion in buying power, this boycott could be the lightning rod that sparks a much wider movement.
—Allyson Kapin, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Sinclair has long been a lightning rod of controversy in the field because of that defiance—among other things.
—Alice Park, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
The bill is the latest twist in the nearly decade-long saga of ethnic studies in California, which has become a lightning rod for culture war arguments about diversity, history and racial identity — especially during the Israel-Gaza war that erupted in October 2023.
—Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 2 Mar. 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 26 Mar. 2025.
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