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
Rob Dillingham was a lightning rod of offense and energy.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2025
The death of Riley, a 22-year-old woman who was murdered by Jose Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant, on Feb. 22, 2024, fueled the immigration debate in the United States and became a lightning rod issue for Trump on the campaign trail.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 22 Jan. 2025
Advertisement Politics Loved or hated, lawmaker Scott Wiener is a lightning rod who could make history
April 27, 2023
Come January, Republicans will control the White House and both chambers of Congress.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024
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
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Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2025
The death of Riley, a 22-year-old woman who was murdered by Jose Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant, on Feb. 22, 2024, fueled the immigration debate in the United States and became a lightning rod issue for Trump on the campaign trail.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 22 Jan. 2025
Advertisement Politics Loved or hated, lawmaker Scott Wiener is a lightning rod who could make history
April 27, 2023
Come January, Republicans will control the White House and both chambers of Congress.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024
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
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 16 Feb. 2025.
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