lightning rodnoun [ C ]
us/ˈlɑɪt·nɪŋ ˌrɑd/lightning rod noun [ C ] (STRIP OF METAL)
a strip of metal that prevents lightning from damaging a building by directing the electricity into the ground
lightning rod noun [ C ] (CRITICIZED PERSON)
someone who attracts criticism or anger that could be directed at someone else:
Darman continues to be the White House's lightning rod, drawing criticism from conservatives.