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 following day, the EPA released its landmark tailpipe emission proposal — which became a lightning rod for political attention and debate.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2024
The trials of Jennifer and James Crumbley became a lightning rod for issues of parental responsibility at a time of high-profile gun violence by minors.
—Anna Betts, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024
Support for diversity, equity and inclusion Diversity, equity and inclusion programs have become a lightning rod, stoking controversy in state capitals and corporate boardrooms.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2024
Against the backdrop of the tumultuous 1960s, Doda became a lightning rod for controversy when her performance at the Condor Night Club helped transform the North Beach section of San Francisco into ground zero for the burgeoning strip club industry.
—Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 22 Mar. 2024
The shooting drew worldwide attention, largely because of Baldwin’s stature in Hollywood and as a political lightning rod.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024
The stone wall included a lightning rod, which protected the mill from lightning.
Millstones and other tools were unearthed from the lower part of the ruins, researchers said.
—Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024
Meanwhile, Cap’n Jazz, a lightning rod of the early ’90s midwest emo scene which later split into associated bands such as Joan of Arc, American Football, the Promise Ring, Owen and Ghosts & Vodka, has not played live since 2017.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 27 Feb. 2024
The breed is now are a lightning rod for canine controversy and cultural critique.
—CBS News, 20 Mar. 2024
Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2024
The trials of Jennifer and James Crumbley became a lightning rod for issues of parental responsibility at a time of high-profile gun violence by minors.
—Anna Betts, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024
Support for diversity, equity and inclusion Diversity, equity and inclusion programs have become a lightning rod, stoking controversy in state capitals and corporate boardrooms.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2024
Against the backdrop of the tumultuous 1960s, Doda became a lightning rod for controversy when her performance at the Condor Night Club helped transform the North Beach section of San Francisco into ground zero for the burgeoning strip club industry.
—Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 22 Mar. 2024
The shooting drew worldwide attention, largely because of Baldwin’s stature in Hollywood and as a political lightning rod.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024
The stone wall included a lightning rod, which protected the mill from lightning.
Millstones and other tools were unearthed from the lower part of the ruins, researchers said.
—Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024
Meanwhile, Cap’n Jazz, a lightning rod of the early ’90s midwest emo scene which later split into associated bands such as Joan of Arc, American Football, the Promise Ring, Owen and Ghosts & Vodka, has not played live since 2017.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 27 Feb. 2024
The breed is now are a lightning rod for canine controversy and cultural critique.
—CBS News, 20 Mar. 2024
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 16 Apr. 2024.
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