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 practice, which Mueller acknowledged became more prevalent in the past five to 10 years, has become a lightning rod for department critics.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
Statues on college campuses have long been lightning rods for the issues and debates coursing through society.
—Mary Logan Bikoff, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Age was one of the lightning rods of the 2024 presidential election, as voters repeatedly expressed concerns about President Biden's fitness for office before a disastrous debate performance helped force him out of the race.
—Ivana Saric, Axios, 27 Dec. 2024
Her comments arrive as Beyoncé's performances increasingly serve as both cultural milestones and lightning rods for debate.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
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Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
Statues on college campuses have long been lightning rods for the issues and debates coursing through society.
—Mary Logan Bikoff, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Age was one of the lightning rods of the 2024 presidential election, as voters repeatedly expressed concerns about President Biden's fitness for office before a disastrous debate performance helped force him out of the race.
—Ivana Saric, Axios, 27 Dec. 2024
Her comments arrive as Beyoncé's performances increasingly serve as both cultural milestones and lightning rods for debate.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lightning rod
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 23 Jan. 2025.
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