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 issuesAric Press et al.

Examples of lightning rod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And, as a result, Keys’s performance became a lightning rod for casual music critics and prophets of technological dystopia alike. Marc Hogan, The Atlantic, 1 Mar. 2024 As tensions mount around the conflict, cultural events have become a lightning rod for simmering discontent in Germany — pitting those who accuse organizations of bias against others who protest their right to artistic freedom. Leo Sands, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 The Adams administration has not presented a plan to fund it after more than $90 million in federal pandemic aid expires this fall, and the administration’s management of early childhood programs has become a lightning rod for criticism. Troy Closson, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024 Rap lyrics being used in court cases has become a lightning rod for discussion across the judicial system in America. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 26 Feb. 2024 The positive view from the industry hasn’t stopped the deal from becoming a lightning rod in a US election year, with opposition from United Steelworkers union leaders and several politicians. Joe Deaux, Bloomberg.com, 3 Feb. 2024 Sustaining success on defense in the NFL is extremely difficult, and the defensive coordinator quickly becomes a lightning rod when a team isn't routinely competing for championships. Journal Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2024 The President is trying to moderate Israel’s war, but the U.S. is also acting willingly as a lightning rod for criticism about the human costs of Israel’s campaign against Hamas, a role that the U.S. has long played in the alliance. Steve Coll, The New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2023 These House Democrats of color are lightning rods for bigoted attacks, including death threats. Pablo Manríquez, The New Republic, 3 Nov. 2023

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.

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lightning rod was in 1770

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 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lightning rod

noun
: a metal rod set up on a building or a ship and connected with the earth or water below to decrease the chances of damage from lightning

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