iconoclasm
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of iconoclasm
1790–1800; iconocl(ast) + -asm on model of such pairs as enthusiast: enthusiasm
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In more recent decades, a spirit of iconoclasm eclipsed the spirit of commemoration.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025
The Israeli government expressed alarm over the defacement, which officials also attributed to Jewish iconoclasm in obedience to early prohibitions against idolatry.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 6, 2023
Integral to his work’s profound effect is its sharp-eyed iconoclasm.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2023
On the contrary: He reveled in precocity, cheekiness, iconoclasm and snark.
From New York Times • May 22, 2023
Celia’s destination was Havana, with her Great-Aunt Alicia, known for her cooking and her iconoclasm.
From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
