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

But Govan’s new museum building has also been a lightning rod for controversy. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2024

The case has become a lightning rod for questions, speculation, and allegations, and Dial Tone and The New Yorker Studios are embedding within the community in order to deliver a fair, nuanced, and truthful account of what really happened. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 June 2024

Fauci found himself in the center, as the lightning rod for any frustration toward the pandemic and measures to slow it. —Jason Mast, STAT, 16 June 2024

But the court didn’t rule on the merits of the case, meaning the lightning rod issue is not settled for good. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 June 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