iconoclast
noun
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For the Meaning of Iconoclast, Break It Down
Iconoclast comes from the Greek word eikonoklastēs, which translates literally as “image destroyer.” While the destruction wrought by today’s iconoclasts is figurative—in modern use, an iconoclast is someone who criticizes or opposes beliefs and practices that are widely accepted—the first iconoclasts directed their ire at religious icons, those representations of sacred individuals used as objects of veneration. The Byzantine Empire’s Iconoclastic Controversy occurred in the 8th and 9th centuries, but the word iconoclast didn’t find its way to English until the 17th century. Figurative use came later still.
Examples of iconoclast in a Sentence
Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025
The late 13th century paintings were whitewashed following a mid 15th-century fire at the cathedral and subsequently boxed behind woodwork by 1786, which protected them from iconoclasts and vandalization during the French Revolution.
—Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Chicago will be the only U.S. city to see the 92-year-old iconoclast Yoko Ono's new show.
—Carrie Shepherd, Axios, 1 Apr. 2025
Season 8’s unapologetic iconoclast Acid Betty returns to the competition to kick ass and take names.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for iconoclast
Cite this Entry
“Iconoclast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iconoclast. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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