# lightning rod

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈlaɪtnɪŋ ˌɹɒd/

## Definitions
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.
2. A person or thing that is a target for negative reactions and distracts criticism from another target.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/lightning-rod