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
In recent years, CRT has become a lightning rod for Republicans, including Trump, who hang their arguments on a nebulous definition of the theory.
—Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
In recent years, DEI has become a social and political lightning rod for lawmakers, corporate leaders and conservative activists who have sought to cast such initiatives as unfair and even racist, with some emboldened by the Supreme Court’s gutting of affirmative action.
—Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025
The practice, which Mueller acknowledged became more prevalent in the past five to 10 years, has become a lightning rod for department critics.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
Statues on college campuses have long been lightning rods for the issues and debates coursing through society.
—Mary Logan Bikoff, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
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Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
In recent years, DEI has become a social and political lightning rod for lawmakers, corporate leaders and conservative activists who have sought to cast such initiatives as unfair and even racist, with some emboldened by the Supreme Court’s gutting of affirmative action.
—Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025
The practice, which Mueller acknowledged became more prevalent in the past five to 10 years, has become a lightning rod for department critics.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
Statues on college campuses have long been lightning rods for the issues and debates coursing through society.
—Mary Logan Bikoff, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
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 5 Feb. 2025.
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