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
The company has become a lightning rod for criticism from both the right and left.
—Phil Singer, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
The guest list has become a lightning rod for messaging, particularly for Democrats who have struggled to regain their footing after blistering losses in November.
—Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 3 Mar. 2025
The attacks on the dealership are among the latest in a growing trend of ire directed at Tesla vehicles and company CEO Elon Musk, a lightning rod for his alliance with President Donald Trump.
—Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
Eric Trump, the son most heavily involved in running the Trump Organization, has expressed frustration that the company had become a lightning rod for conflicts of interest critics during his father’s first presidential term despite the company’s voluntary ethics ban on certain deals.
—Bernard Condon, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
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Phil Singer, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
The guest list has become a lightning rod for messaging, particularly for Democrats who have struggled to regain their footing after blistering losses in November.
—Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 3 Mar. 2025
The attacks on the dealership are among the latest in a growing trend of ire directed at Tesla vehicles and company CEO Elon Musk, a lightning rod for his alliance with President Donald Trump.
—Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
Eric Trump, the son most heavily involved in running the Trump Organization, has expressed frustration that the company had become a lightning rod for conflicts of interest critics during his father’s first presidential term despite the company’s voluntary ethics ban on certain deals.
—Bernard Condon, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
Cite this Entry
“Lightning rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightning%20rod. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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