lightning rod

noun

Synonyms of lightning rodnext
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.

Examples of lightning rod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Suarez has been a lightning rod for conflict since he was elected to the City Commission in 2023, critiquing the city administration while pushing for significant changes. — Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 Jonathan Isaac Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac became one of the NBA's most prominent voices defending individual choice during the pandemic, after becoming a cultural lightning rod for refusing to kneel for the anthem in the NBA Bubble. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Schumer has become a lightning rod in some Democratic primary races as many progressive candidates accuse him of putting his thumb on the scale to back moderate candidates, who tend to be older and more pro-Israel. — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026 The mogul has only become a greater cultural lightning rod since then with a relentless series of social media trolls and the platforming of numerous conspiracy theories. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lightning rod

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

Rhymes for lightning rod

See All Rhymes for lightning rod

Browse Nearby Words

lightningproof
lightning rod
lightning stone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lightning rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightning%20rod. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on lightning rod

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lightning rod

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lightning rod

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