Lightning rod

//ˈlaɪtnɪŋ ˌɹɒd// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A metallic conductor that is attached to a high point of a building and leads to the ground to protect the building from damage by lightning.

    ""My special business is to travel the country for orders for lightning-rods. This is my specimen rod;" tapping his staff; "I have the best of references"-fumbling in his pockets. "In Criggan last month, I put up three-and-twenty rods on only five buildings.""

  2. 2
    a metallic conductor that is attached to a high point and leads to the ground; protects the building from destruction by lightning wordnet
  3. 3
    A person or thing that is a target for negative reactions and distracts criticism from another target. figuratively

    "Another factor was that when the two governments changed Stormont’s rules in 2006 they left the dual premiership as the “lightning rod for other difficulties”, said [Brendan] O’Leary."

  4. 4
    someone who is a frequent target of negative reactions and serves to distract attention from another wordnet

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