lightning rod

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The ending, which I won’t spoil here, has become a lightning rod of controversy that cannot be destroyed, no matter how much acrimonious electricity it attracts.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026

As prime minister, Oli became a lightning rod for protester fury.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

Former chairman Daniel Levy was a permanent lightning rod for the anger of Spurs fans.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

Not only is Shriver herself a lightning rod, but “A Better Life” is a novel about a torpedo of an issue: immigration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

Chase began to get a strange feeling about Emily and wondered if this was what his dad experienced when he made his predictions, or what a lightning rod felt just before a strike.

From "Storm Runners" by Roland Smith