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.

Examples of lightning rod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the late 1970s, plans for the building became a lightning rod for racist-tinged opposition. —Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 19 Nov. 2024

Trump has become such a political lightning rod here that Democrats running for all offices, including state legislative races, often focus much of their messages on their opposition to the former president, noted state Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding, R-Brookfield. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 6 Nov. 2024

Columbus Day has long been a political lightning rod given the destruction wrought on native communities after Columbus journeyed to North America, ushering in an age of European exploration of the Western Hemisphere. —Andrew Torgan, CNN, 13 Oct. 2024

Phillips never aspired to be a political lightning rod. —The Editors, National Review, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lightning rod

noun

: a metal rod set up on a building or a ship and connected with the earth or water below to decrease the chances of damage from lightning