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
Dayton rolls out the welcome mat for immigrants While nearby Springfield, Ohio, has become a lightning rod in the national debate over immigration, Dayton has been working for more than a decade to lure more immigrants, to help fill jobs and revitalize old neighborhoods.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 20 Sep. 2024
Still a lightning rod Despite its super-sized 86.7-inch width, the EV’s four-wheel steering keeps it conveniently maneuverable in parking lots and suburban streets.
—Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 19 Sep. 2024
Texas has been a lightning rod for the automotive business as of late.
—Kristin Shaw, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024
Still, the documentary has been a lightning rod for protests, with several Canadian diplomats criticizing TIFF for including it in its programming, and TVOntario even pulling its support for the film.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lightning rod 
Scott Horsley, NPR, 20 Sep. 2024
Still a lightning rod Despite its super-sized 86.7-inch width, the EV’s four-wheel steering keeps it conveniently maneuverable in parking lots and suburban streets.
—Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 19 Sep. 2024
Texas has been a lightning rod for the automotive business as of late.
—Kristin Shaw, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024
Still, the documentary has been a lightning rod for protests, with several Canadian diplomats criticizing TIFF for including it in its programming, and TVOntario even pulling its support for the film.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lightning rod
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lightning rod.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Lightning rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightning%20rod. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
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