lightning-rod

A tall building has a lightning-rod on its roof.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A metal rod designed to protect a structure from lightning damage: A "lightning-rod" is a metal rod mounted on a building or structure, connected to the ground, that conducts lightning strikes safely into the earth, preventing fire or structural damage.
   • A person or thing that attracts controversy or criticism: In a figurative sense, a "lightning-rod" refers to someone or something that draws intense negative attention, blame, or conflict, much like a physical rod attracts lightning.

Usage Examples

• Physical sense:
  • The church steeple was equipped with a lightning-rod to protect it during storms. (A metal rod installed to divert lightning safely to the ground.)
• Figurative sense:
  • The mayor became a lightning-rod for public anger over the new tax policy. (The mayor attracted and absorbed the majority of criticism and blame.)

Advanced Usage

• "to act as a lightning-rod": to serve as a focal point for strong reactions, especially negative ones.
  • The controversial artist acted as a lightning-rod for debates about free speech. (The artist drew and concentrated public argument and criticism.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lightning conductor (n): another term for "lightning-rod," especially in British English.
  • The building's lightning conductor was inspected annually. (The metal rod protecting the structure from lightning.)
• Lightning strike (n): the actual event of lightning hitting a surface.
  • A lightning strike damaged the roof despite the lightning-rod. (The direct hit by lightning.)

Synonyms

• Target: a person or thing that is the object of criticism or attack.
• Focus: a central point of attention or activity.
• Scapegoat: a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings of others (similar but not identical, as a lightning-rod attracts blame rather than being assigned it).

Related Idioms

• "To be a lightning-rod for controversy": to attract and absorb public dispute or disagreement.
  • His outspoken views made him a lightning-rod for controversy in the community. (He drew and concentrated contentious debate.)
• "To draw fire": to attract criticism or attack (similar to a lightning-rod's function).
  • The new policy drew fire from all political sides. (It attracted strong opposition.)