View synonyms for

lightning rod

noun

a rodlike conductor installed to divert lightning away from a structure by providing a direct path to the ground.
a person or thing that attracts and absorbs powerful and especially negative or hostile feelings, opinions, etc., thereby diverting such feelings from other targets.
The unpopular supervisor served as a lightning rod for the criticism that should have been aimed at management.

lightning rod

A grounded metal rod placed high on a structure to conduct electrical current from a lightning strike directly to the ground, preventing the currents from injuring people or animals or from damaging objects. Lightning rods usually have a sharp, pointed tip, since electric lines of force are more highly concentrated around pointed objects, in this case increasing the attractiveness of the rod compared with other nearby objects.
See also Saint Elmo's fire

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of lightning rod¹

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

As such, he has already been made a lightning rod for right-wing culture war tantrums–the exact kind of division Theophilus warns against in "The Ritual."

From

But investor sentiment soured this year, as Musk's alliance with Trump and his role leading controversial cuts to government spending proved a lightning rod, sparking backlash and hurting sales, especially in Europe.

From

But Mr Goodwin became a lightning rod for public outrage at the risks banks had taken and the bonuses their executives had collected.

From

They have turned into something of a lightning rod for Macron's opponents.

From

"Ancelotti will act as a lightning rod for any criticism that side get - which will take the pressure off the players," said Vickery.

From

Lightning never strikes twice in the same place lightning stroke

Browse