iconoclast

[ahy-kon-uh-klast]

noun

1. a person who attacks cherished beliefs, traditional institutions, etc., as being based on error or superstition.

   Synonyms: radical, dissenter, rebel, nonconformist

2. a breaker or destroyer of images, especially those set up for religious veneration.

iconoclast

/ aɪˈkɒnəˌklæst /

noun

1. a person who attacks established or traditional concepts, principles, laws, etc

2. 1. a destroyer of religious images or sacred objects

   2. an adherent of the heretical movement within the Greek Orthodox Church from 725 to 842 _ad , which aimed at the destruction of icons and religious images

Other Word Forms

• iconoclastically adverb
• iconoclastic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of iconoclast¹

1590–1600; < Medieval Latin īconoclastēs < Medieval Greek eikonoklástēs, equivalent to Greek eikono- icono- + -klastēs breaker, equivalent to klas- (variant stem of klân to break) + -tēs agent noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of iconoclast¹

C16: from Late Latin iconoclastes, from Late Greek eikonoklastes , from eikōn icon + klastēs breaker

Example Sentences

There was a lengthy interview with the subject herself, replete with quotes meant to amplify her image as an iconoclast and a force to be reckoned with.

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The 86-year-old iconoclast is now sought after by corporations as a consultant.

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As the show points out, these designers were regularly dismissed as “outlaws,” “iconoclasts” and “renegades,” all terms they would come to embrace.

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What choice would a young reactionary iconoclast have but to veer right?

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Williams wants to impress upon folks that he is an iconoclast, and it comes off as smarmy.

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