iconoclast

Borrowed from French iconoclaste, from Byzantine Greek εἰκονοκλάστης (eikonoklástēs, literally “image breaker”).

• (UK) IPA^(key): /aɪˈkɒn.əˌklæst/
• (US) IPA^(key): /aɪˈkɑn.əˌklæst/

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iconoclast (plural iconoclasts)

1. (historical, Christianity) One who destroys religious images or icons, especially an opponent of the Orthodox Church in the 8th and 9th centuries, or a Puritan during the European Reformation.

   Antonym: iconodule

   • 2004, Eugene TeSelle, World Book Encyclopedia, 2004 edition (CD), Iconoclast:

     In the days of the early Christian church, people who opposed the veneration (reverence) of images were called iconoclasts.

2. One who opposes orthodoxy and religion; one who adheres to the doctrine of iconoclasm.
   • 2010 The Handbook of Texas Online, William Cowper Brann, Texas State Historical Association, Austin :

     In February 1895 he [William Cowper Brann, 1855-1898 ] revived publication of the Iconoclast. This time it was successful and eventually attained a circulation of 100,000. Brann took obvious relish in directing his stinging attacks upon institutions and persons he considered to be hypocritical or overly sanctimonious.

3. (by extension) One who attacks cherished beliefs.

• antichrist
• rebel
• radical
• dissenter
• contrarian

From French iconoclaste.

iconoclast m (plural iconoclaști, feminine equivalent iconoclastă)

1. iconoclast