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Iconoclasm: meaning, definitions and examples

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iconoclasm

 

[ ˌaɪkəˈnɒklæzəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

historical movement

Iconoclasm refers to the deliberate destruction of religious icons and symbols. This movement was primarily seen during the Byzantine Empire when there were strong debates over the use of icons in worship. Iconoclasts believed that the veneration of icons was tantamount to idolatry, and thus sought to eliminate these images. This controversy deeply divided the church and had political ramifications, leading to periods of intense conflict and reformation. The term has since evolved to also refer to any challenge to traditional beliefs or institutions.

Synonyms

destruction of icons, icon-breaking, image-breaking

Examples of usage

  • The Byzantine Empire faced severe iconoclasm during the 8th century.
  • Iconoclasm often leads to social upheaval.
  • The Protestant Reformation was marked by a form of iconoclasm.
  • Modern movements may reflect iconoclastic attitudes.

Translations

Translations of the word "iconoclasm" in other languages:

🇵🇹 iconoclasmo

🇮🇳 प्रतिमाविद्वेष

🇩🇪 Ikonoklasmus

🇮🇩 ikonoklasme

🇺🇦 іконоборство

🇵🇱 ikonoklazm

🇯🇵 偶像破壊主義

🇫🇷 iconoclasme

🇪🇸 iconoclasia

🇹🇷 ikonoklazm

🇰🇷 우상파괴주의

🇸🇦 تحطيم الأيقونات

🇨🇿 ikonoklasmus

🇸🇰 ikonoklazmus

🇨🇳 破坏偶像主义

🇸🇮 ikonoklazem

🇮🇸 íkonóbótarastefna

🇰🇿 иконоклазм

🇬🇪 იკონოკლაზმი

🇦🇿 ikonoklazm

🇲🇽 iconoclasia

Word origin

The term 'iconoclasm' originates from the Greek words 'eikon,' meaning 'image,' and 'klaein,' meaning 'to break.' It first came into wide use in reference to the conflict over religious images in the Byzantine Empire during the 8th and 9th centuries. The term was shaped significantly by the Iconoclastic Controversy, a theological debate that pitted iconoclasts against iconodules—those who supported the use and veneration of icons. This deep-rooted conflict reflected broader societal tensions and the interplay between politics and religion. Over time, 'iconoclasm' has been generalized to describe any rejection or destruction of established beliefs or practices, making it a term relevant in various contexts, including art, literature, and modern culture.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,337 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.