What does "iconoclast" mean?
One who destroys religious images or icons, especially an opponent of the Orthodox Church in the 8th and 9th centuries, or a Puritan during the European Reformation.
Iconoclast
/aɪˈkɑn.əˌklæst/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who destroys religious images or icons, especially an opponent of the Orthodox Church in the 8th and 9th centuries, or a Puritan during the European Reformation.
- Grammar: iconoclast is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: image breaker, annihilator, antichristian, arsonist.
- Useful contrasts: believer, canonicalist, conformist.
- Usage evidence: He was an iconoclast who wore his uniqueness as a badge of honor.
How to use "iconoclast"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "iconoclast" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "iconoclast" in a final draft.
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Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "iconoclast" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 One who destroys religious images or icons, especially an opponent of the Orthodox Church in the 8th and 9th centuries, or a Puritan during the European Reformation. historical
"In the days of the early Christian church, people who opposed the veneration (reverence) of images were called iconoclasts."
- 2 someone who attacks cherished ideas or traditional institutions wordnet
- 3 One who opposes orthodoxy and religion; one who adheres to the doctrine of iconoclasm.
"In February 1895 he [William Cowper Brann, 1855-1898 ] revived publication of the Iconoclast. This time it was successful and eventually attained a circulation of 100,000. Brann took obvious relish in directing his stinging attacks upon institutions and persons he considered to be hypocritical or overly sanctimonious."
- 4 a destroyer of images used in religious worship wordnet
- 5 One who attacks cherished beliefs; a maverick. broadly
"After all, the fact that any discussion of the possibility is greeted with hysterical revulsion guarantees that only two types of people will take the "pro" side in public: fearless iconoclasts who do not care what anyone thinks of them; and racists."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"He was an iconoclast who wore his uniqueness as a badge of honor."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "iconoclast"?
Common synonyms include: image breaker, annihilator, antichristian, arsonist, biblioclast, blasphemers.
How do you use "iconoclast" in a sentence?
He was an iconoclast who wore his uniqueness as a badge of honor.
How do you pronounce "iconoclast"?
Pronounced /aɪˈkɑn.əˌklæst/.
Etymology
Borrowed from French iconoclaste and its etymon Medieval Latin īconoclastēs, from Byzantine Greek εἰκονοκλάστης (eikonoklástēs, literally “image breaker”). By surface analysis, icono- + -clast.