Definition

1. Noun:
   • The orientation of an iconoclast: The beliefs, attitudes, or practices characteristic of an iconoclast.
   • The action of attacking or rejecting cherished beliefs, institutions, or established values: A challenge to or destruction of traditional ideas, conventions, or institutions.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • His artistic philosophy was rooted in a radical iconoclasm that rejected all classical forms.
  • The movement was characterized by its intellectual iconoclasm, questioning the very foundations of the scientific establishment.
  • Religious iconoclasm during the Reformation led to the destruction of many statues and paintings in churches.

Advanced Usage

• "a spirit of iconoclasm": a prevailing attitude of challenging established norms.
  • The punk rock scene was driven by a spirit of iconoclasm.
• "political iconoclasm": the practice of attacking established political doctrines or systems.
  • The candidate's platform was an act of political iconoclasm, promising to dismantle decades-old policies.

Variants and Related Words

• Iconoclast (n): A person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions.
  • She was an iconoclast in the field of economics, challenging the dominant theories.
• Iconoclastic (adj): Characterized by attack on established beliefs or institutions.
  • His iconoclastic views made him a controversial figure.

Synonyms

• Heresy: Belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious doctrine.
• Nonconformity: Failure or refusal to conform to an established church or its doctrines or practices.
• Rebellion: Open, organized, and armed resistance to one's government or ruler.

Related Phrases

• "to engage in iconoclasm": to actively practice or promote iconoclastic actions or ideas.
  • The critic was known to engage in iconoclasm against the literary canon.
• "a wave of iconoclasm": a period of widespread challenge to traditions.
  • The 1960s saw a wave of cultural iconoclasm.

Related Idioms

• "Breaking the idols": An idiom closely related to the concept of iconoclasm, meaning to destroy revered but false ideals or institutions.
  • His biography is about breaking the idols of the previous generation's political thought.

Noun

1. the orientation of an iconoclast