iconoclastic

[ ahy-kon-uh-klas-tik ]

/ aɪˌkɒn əˈklæs tɪk /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR iconoclastic ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

attacking or ignoring cherished beliefs and long-held traditions, etc., as being based on error, superstition, or lack of creativity: an iconoclastic architect whose buildings are like monumental sculptures.

breaking or destroying images, especially those set up for religious veneration.

Origin of iconoclastic

First recorded in 1640–45; iconoclast + -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM iconoclastic

i·con·o·clas·ti·cal·ly, adverbnon·i·con·o·clas·tic, adjectivenon·i·con·o·clas·ti·cal·ly, adverbun·i·con·o·clas·tic, adjective

un·i·con·o·clas·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby iconoclastic

iconic memory, Iconium, icono-, iconoclasm, iconoclast, iconoclastic, iconographic, iconography, iconolatry, iconology, iconomatic

Example sentences from the Web for iconoclastic

Iconoclastic individuals are our heroes, and big, bad institutions—monarchies, patriarchies, churches—are the villains.
How ‘Cosmos’ Bungles the History of Religion and Science|David Sessions|March 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He could afford to be iconoclastic, largely unburdened by the demands of ideology as he experimented with policy solutions.
Mitt Romney Goes Elite for 2012 Race|McKay Coppins|May 12, 2011|DAILY BEAST
And Little Edie is an iconoclastic character, one that is especially apropos to be revisiting in a time of recession.
Drew's Anger and Darkness|Rachel Syme|April 10, 2009|DAILY BEAST
While this coincidence was fresh in his mind, Morgan read Wilson's iconoclastic book on Mexico.
William Hickling Prescott|Harry Thurston Peck

He returned to Paderborn as a burning and shining gospel light, and led the iconoclastic riot.
Freaks of Fanaticism|Sabine Baring-Gould
Evidently, in spite of his iconoclastic purpose, the priest still cherished a belief in the power of his wooden deities.
Curiosities of Superstition|W. H. Davenport Adams
Among the things destroyed by this iconoclastic fury was the valuable dry-dock in Pensacola Bay.
Lippincott's Magazine Of Popular Literature And Science, No. 23, February, 1873, Vol. XI. No. 23.|Various
This crystallised the Iconoclastic elements of opposition into a party.
The Rise of the Mediaeval Church|Alexander Clarence Flick