iconoclastic
UK: /ˌaɪ.kəˈnɒk.læs.tɪk/ | US: /ˌaɪ.kəˈnɑːk.læs.tɪk/
adj. attacking or rejecting cherished beliefs, traditions, or institutions as misguided or oppressive
adj. relating to the destruction of religious icons or symbols (historical context)
The word "iconoclastic" derives from Greek roots:
- "icono" (from Greek eikōn, meaning "image" or "idol")
- "clast" (from Greek klastēs, meaning "breaker")
- The suffix "-ic" forms an adjective.
Historically, it referred to the Byzantine Iconoclasm (8th–9th centuries), a movement that destroyed religious icons. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to describe challenging established norms or beliefs. The morphemes logically combine to mean "image-breaking," extending to ideological rebellion.
His iconoclastic views on education sparked heated debates.
The artist’s work was praised for its iconoclastic approach to traditional painting.
The Reformation was an iconoclastic movement against Catholic practices.
She wrote an iconoclastic critique of modern political systems.
The scientist’s theory was initially dismissed as iconoclastic but later proven correct.