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
In Marin County, on the northern end of the San Francisco Bay, short-term rentals have become a lightning rod amid an affordable housing shortage in one of the most expensive — and beautiful — places in California.
—Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2024
Apple Music’s list has been a social media lightning rod since launching on May 13.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 22 May 2024
Prescott, already a lightning rod for national media because of his contract and the playoff failures of the Cowboys under his leadership, is always saying or doing something that garners attention, intentionally or not.
—Clarence E. Hill Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2024
Yet as the Rockies’ slide continues, Bryant has become a lightning rod for fans’ discontent.
—Patrick Saunders, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for lightning rod 
Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2024
Apple Music’s list has been a social media lightning rod since launching on May 13.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 22 May 2024
Prescott, already a lightning rod for national media because of his contract and the playoff failures of the Cowboys under his leadership, is always saying or doing something that garners attention, intentionally or not.
—Clarence E. Hill Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2024
Yet as the Rockies’ slide continues, Bryant has become a lightning rod for fans’ discontent.
—Patrick Saunders, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 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 6 Jun. 2024.
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