iconoclastic

American  

[ahy-kon-uh-klas-tik] / aɪˌkɒn əˈklæs tɪk /

adjective

1. attacking or ignoring cherished beliefs and long-held traditions, etc., as being based on error, superstition, or lack of creativity.

   an iconoclastic architect whose buildings are like monumental sculptures.

2. breaking or destroying images, especially those set up for religious veneration.

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Other Word Forms

• iconoclastically
  adverb
• noniconoclastic
  adjective
• noniconoclastically
  adverb
• uniconoclastic
  adjective
• uniconoclastically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of iconoclastic

First recorded in 1640–45; iconoclast + -ic

Explanation

The word iconoclastic is an adjective referring to a breaking of established rules or destruction of accepted beliefs. It might refer to an artist with an unorthodox style, or an iconoclastic attack, either physical or verbal, on a religious doctrine or image. Consider the Greek word eikōn, or "image," coupled with -klastēs, "one who breaks," and you get a good image of someone who is iconoclastic. An iconoclastic approach to religion involves tearing down the icons representing the church. While this was once done physically, through riots and mayhem, today’s iconoclasts usually prefer using words. Not all iconoclasts are destructive, however. An iconoclastic approach to art and music has given rise to the development of new genres and styles through breaking the rules.

Example Sentences

Iconoclastic scholars led by Yale University’s Robert Bork and the University of Chicago’s Antonin Scalia were building the case for a novel legal doctrine known as originalism.

From Salon • Oct. 12, 2023

Iconoclastic journalist Glenn Greenwald resigned from The Intercept on Thursday afternoon, signaling an abrupt and acrimonious end to his time at the publication he co-founded in 2014 with journalists Jeremy Scahill and Laura Poitras.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 29, 2020

Iconoclastic chef David Chang, of Momofuku fame, explores the historical, cultural and geographic significance of individual dishes, such as fried rice, tacos and curry.

From Washington Post • May 7, 2020

Iconoclastic and provocative, he became one of the leading biologists of the twentieth century.

From Nature • Apr. 10, 2019

The Iconoclastic controversy had prepared the way for it, while the fact that a woman sat on the imperial throne served as a good excuse for the Pope's action.

From The Byzantine Empire by Oman, Charles William Chadwick

Related Words

• irreverent