lightning rod

noun

1. a rodlike conductor installed to divert lightning away from a structure by providing a direct path to the ground.
2. 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

1. 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.
2. See also Saint Elmo's fire

Word History and Origins

Origin of lightning rod¹

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

She was a lightning rod for criticism by Hollywood workers, particularly during last year’s walkouts.

From Los Angeles Times

The agency has long been a lightning rod for Israeli criticism, for example with allegations that the textbooks used in its schools promote hatred of Israel.

From BBC

Prior to Trump’s rise to power, Schiff said his Republican colleagues in the House — which he first entered in 2001 — never would have predicted he would become the “incredible liberal lightning rod” he is today.

From Los Angeles Times

It also turned him into a lightning rod to the political right, with conservatives condemning him for what they viewed as unfair attacks on Trump.

From Los Angeles Times

A lightning rod of controversy since taking office four years ago on a platform of criminal justice reform, Gascón has since rolled back some of his boldest policies in the face of withering criticism.

From Los Angeles Times