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

Since the startup Anthropic launched Claude for Financial Services last summer, “LSEG shares have been a lightning rod for market fears about AI disruption risk,” Jefferies analyst Tom Mills wrote in a note last week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

As a rookie in 2023, Johnston was a lightning rod for ridicule on social media for his inconsistent performances — particularly drops — with many expecting more from a former first-round pick.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2025

Instead, Morrie had become a lightning rod of ideas.

From "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom