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

Derived Forms

• iˌconoˈclastically, adverb
• iˌconoˈclastic, adjective

Other Words From

• i·cono·clastic 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

He is both icon and iconoclast, one of the most expressive athletes in one of the most stylish sports.

From Outside Online

We knew he was an iconoclast with no patience for bureaucracy, and were hoping the lack of structure would appeal to him.

From Nautilus

His public persona as a cultural renegade, an incorrigible iconoclast and social rebel hugged the headlines.

From Quartz

Above all, it captures an iconoclast who was, nevertheless, really good at working within the showbiz system.

From Vox

Bridgewater insiders are concerned that the firm lost its way as Dalio cultivated his iconoclast image, hit the Davos circuit and published his 2017 best-seller, “Principles,” his rules for life and business.

From Fortune

A committed iconoclast, jazz-lover and friend of Ronald Reagan, Hayakawa defeated Democratic incumbent John V. Tunney.

From The Daily Beast

Washington insider and defiant iconoclast, a rotund blast from the Clinton-era past running as the candidate of radical change.

From The Daily Beast

Paul Flynn talks to the fashion iconoclast about nudity, sex appeal, and what she wore to her divorce.

From The Daily Beast

Paul Flynn talks to the fashion iconoclast about nudity, sex appeal and what she wore to her divorce.

From The Daily Beast

Concerned and kind, he was also the ultimate risk taker, an iconoclast with an edgy, hard charging quality about him.

From The Daily Beast

"This is the blankest, rummiest blank go ever I was in," muttered the would-be iconoclast.

From Project Gutenberg

The inspired gentleman put the problem as a knotty one, and begged the assistance of the clever Iconoclast.

From Project Gutenberg

But Gano shrank from the sound and fury of the iconoclast as much as from his more coherently expressed doctrines.

From Project Gutenberg

The iconoclast of to-day is full of scorn for patriotism, which he holds the most retrograde of emotions.

From Project Gutenberg

He was an iconoclast, seldom went to church, and was entirely lacking in reverence.

From Project Gutenberg