: 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.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebWhen it was proposed in 2005, the Baltimore Hilton was billed as the largest public works project in Baltimore’s history and became a lightning rod for critics. Giacomo Bologna, Baltimore Sun, 13 Sep. 2022 Part of the interest in this work is the tension between those shingles and the amber-glass orb on the lightning rod.Washington Post, 24 Aug. 2022 The fist bump, which was captured by Saudi state media and quickly disseminated around the world, became a powerful symbol and a lightning rod for Biden.Arkansas Online, 17 July 2022 And in 2022, any of those pieces can suddenly erupt into a cultural lightning rod. Todd Martensgame Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2022 But neither of them will be the lightning rod for controversy — and headlines — that McCain was. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 5 Aug. 2022 Porter, however, has been a bit of a lightning rod - supremely talented but plagued by maturity concerns. Rahat Huq, Forbes, 31 July 2022 The fist bump, which was captured by Saudi state media and quickly disseminated around the world, became a powerful symbol and a lightning rod for Biden.Arkansas Online, 17 July 2022 The fist bump, which was captured by Saudi state media and quickly disseminated around the world, became a powerful symbol and a lightning rod for Biden. Tyler Pager, BostonGlobe.com, 16 July 2022 See More