Iconoclast: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽจ
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iconoclast

 

[ หˆaษชkษ™nษ™หŒklรฆst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

art

A person who attacks or criticizes traditional or popular beliefs, practices, or institutions.

Synonyms

dissenter, heretic, nonconformist, rebel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
iconoclast

When describing someone who challenges established beliefs, customs, or institutions, usually with a bold and provocative attitude.

  • She was labeled an iconoclast for her unconventional views on the education system.
  • His iconoclastic opinions often sparked heated debates in academic circles.
rebel

Describes a person who actively defies or fights against authority or control, often with a sense of resistance or revolution.

  • The rebel forces fought bravely against the oppressive regime.
  • As a teenager, he was quite the rebel, constantly challenging his parents' rules.
heretic

This word is typically used in a religious context to describe someone who holds beliefs that go against the established doctrines of a particular faith. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • In the medieval age, being labeled a heretic could lead to severe punishment or even death.
  • Galileo was considered a heretic for his support of the heliocentric theory.
dissenter

Used for someone who disagrees with the majority or official opinion, especially in a formal setting such as politics, religion, or organizations.

  • During the meeting, several dissenters voiced their opposition to the proposed policy changes.
  • The court ruling faced dissent from various corners, indicating a divided society.
nonconformist

Refers to someone who does not conform to accepted norms, standards, or conventions, often in a gentle or passive manner.

  • As a nonconformist, she always chose unique paths instead of following the crowd.
  • His nonconformist approach to life is reflected in his eclectic sense of fashion.

Examples of usage

  • The renowned artist was known as an iconoclast for his controversial paintings.
  • The iconoclast's work challenged societal norms and traditions.
Context #2 | Noun

politics

A person who opposes established political or social norms.

Synonyms

agitator, maverick, radical, revolutionary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
iconoclast

Suitable for describing someone who challenges established beliefs, customs, or institutions, often in a daring or unconventional way. This word often has a neutral or slightly positive connotation, implying courage and originality.

  • The artist was considered an iconoclast for rejecting traditional techniques.
  • Her iconoclastic views on education reform stirred much debate in the academic community.
maverick

Best used for an individual who is independent-minded and does not conform to the norms or rules of a group or society. This term often has a positive connotation, suggesting innovation and individuality.

  • In the tech industry, she was known as a maverick for her unconventional business strategies.
  • The politicianโ€™s maverick approach appealed to young voters seeking change.
radical

Used to describe someone who advocates for fundamental or extreme changes. This term can be either positive or negative depending on the context and perspective.

  • The radical policies proposed by the new government aim to completely overhaul the healthcare system.
  • Her radical ideas about environmental conservation were initially dismissed but later gained traction.
revolutionary

Refers to someone who is involved in or advocates for a revolution, aiming to completely change a system or government. This word often has a strong and impactful connotation.

  • The revolutionary leader inspired the people to fight for their freedom.
  • His revolutionary theories in physics challenged the scientific community.
agitator

Appropriate when referring to someone who stirs up trouble or incites others to rebel, often in a political context. This word generally carries a negative connotation.

  • The police arrested the agitator for inciting violence during the protest.
  • Agitators distributed flyers to encourage workers to strike.

Examples of usage

  • The politician was labeled an iconoclast for his unconventional policies.
  • The iconoclast's views on government reform stirred up controversy.

Translations

Translations of the word "iconoclast" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น iconoclasta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเฅ‚เคฐเฅเคคเคฟ เคญเค‚เคœเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ikonoklast

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ikonoklas

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั–ะบะพะฝะพะฑะพั€ะตั†ัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ikonoklasta

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅถๅƒ็ ดๅฃŠ่€…

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท iconoclaste

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ iconoclasta

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ikonoklast

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ฑ์ƒ ํŒŒ๊ดด์ž

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูุญูŽุทูู‘ู… ุงู„ุฃูŽูŠู’ู‚ูˆู†ูŽุงุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ikonoklast

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ikonoklast

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ ดๅๅถๅƒ่€…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ikonoklast

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ myndbrjรณtur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะธะบะพะฝะพะฑะพั€ัˆั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ˜แƒ™แƒแƒœแƒแƒ™แƒšแƒแƒกแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ikonoklast

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ iconoclasta

Etymology

The term 'iconoclast' originated from the Greek word 'eikonoklastes', which means 'image destroyer'. It was first used in the Byzantine Empire to describe those who opposed the use of religious images. Over time, the term evolved to refer to anyone who challenges established beliefs or practices. The concept of iconoclasm has been present throughout history, with individuals and movements challenging societal norms and traditions.

See also: icon, iconic, iconography, iconolatry, icons, laconicism.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,982 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.