iconoclasm
eye-KON-uh-klaz-um
/aɪˈkɒnəklæzəm/
The action of attacking or assertively rejecting cherished beliefs and institutions or established values; historically, the destruction of religious images.
Combines literal destruction of sacred images with figurative tearing down of long-held cultural or intellectual idols.
The story behind the word. In 8th-century Byzantium, Emperor Leo III ordered the destruction of holy icons across the empire, claiming veneration of images was idolatry. This gave rise to Greek 'eikonoklastes'—literally 'image breaker'. In the 19th century, the word expanded to describe anyone who attacks established conventions or sacred cows.
Word relationships
- subversion: Underhanded or covert undermining of authority, unlike bold iconoclasm.
- rebellion: Open resistance against authority, not specifically focused on symbols or beliefs.
- veneration: Great respect or reverence shown to sacred objects or traditions.
- preservation: The protection and maintenance of existing cultural or religious items.
Commonly confused with
- idolatry: Idolatry is worshipping images; iconoclasm is destroying images.
Word family
- iconoclast (noun): A person who attacks cherished beliefs or images.
- iconoclastic (adjective): Characterized by attack on cherished beliefs or institutions.
Collocations
- wave of iconoclasm
- intellectual iconoclasm
- religious iconoclasm
- cultural iconoclasm
Example sentences
- "During the Byzantine Iconoclasm, thousands of sacred paintings and mosaics were systematically destroyed." Art history
Memory hook
ICON-o-CLASM = breaking (clasm) sacred icons. Iconoclasm = smashing sacred icons and conventions.
When not to use
Do not use for simple vandalism; iconoclasm requires an ideological motivation aimed at breaking sacred symbols or dogmas.
Fun facts
- The Protestant Reformation saw massive outbreaks of iconoclasm, where reformers stripped altars, smashed stained glass, and decapitated statues across Northern Europe.
Related words
Explore more words
iconoclastic, subversive, polemic, nihilism, subversion, abolish
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