Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun lightning_rod

2 senses of lightning rod

Sense 1
lightning rod -- (someone who is a frequent target of negative reactions and serves to distract attention from another)
       => person, individual, someone, somebody, mortal, soul -- (a human being; "there was too much for one person to do")

Sense 2
lightning rod, lightning conductor -- (a metallic conductor that is attached to a high point and leads to the ground; protects the building from destruction by lightning)
       => conductor -- (a device designed to transmit electricity, heat, etc.)