lightning rod

American  

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.

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lightning rod Scientific  

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

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Etymology

Origin of lightning rod

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

Lopez: From the very beginning, for whatever reason, I’ve been a lightning rod for nice things and a lot of negativity.

From Los Angeles Times

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

The threat is most severe on summits and on long, high ridges, where no trees grow and there’s a good chance a hiker is the tallest thing on the landscape — like a human lightning rod.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s also become a lightning rod of controversy.

From Los Angeles Times

Then there are the conversations about uncomfortable, and sometimes controversial, subjects that contestants have delved into too - in some cases a lightning rod for national discussions.

From BBC