iconoclasm
2 synonyms for iconoclasm, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The belief in, or act of, destroying religious icons and other symbols or monuments, usually for religious or political reasons.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
iconomachy
idoloclasm
How to use iconoclasm
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
an act of iconoclasm
a wave of iconoclasm
religious iconoclasm
It is a fairly formal word, more common in historical, religious and cultural writing than in casual speech.
Etymology
Iconoclasm is formed from the word iconoclast, the term for someone who destroys or opposes the veneration of religious images.
Full origin of iconoclasm →Frequently asked questions
What does iconoclasm mean?
Iconoclasm is the belief in or practice of destroying religious icons and symbols, usually driven by religious or political motives.
Does iconoclasm always relate to religion?
Not always. It is also used more broadly for challenging a widely accepted belief, tradition or institution.
What is the difference between iconoclasm and iconoclast?
An iconoclast is the person who carries out or supports the act, while iconoclasm is the belief or practice itself.
