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iconoclast

noun

/aɪˈkɒnəʊklæst/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of iconoclast

A person who challenges or opposes established beliefs, traditions, or institutions, often in a dramatic or disruptive way.
"The artist was known as an iconoclast for her provocative and unconventional works."

Detailed meaning of iconoclast

An iconoclast may be seen as a rebel, a revolutionary, or a visionary who seeks to bring about change by challenging the status quo. The term has its origins in the Byzantine Empire, where it was used to describe those who opposed the use of religious icons in worship. Today, the term can be applied to a wide range of fields and movements, from art to politics to science. Iconoclasts can be seen as individuals who are willing to take risks, question authority, and challenge conventional wisdom, often at great personal cost. While iconoclasts can be divisive and controversial, they can also be seen as agents of change, pushing society towards new and more innovative ideas and ways of thinking.

Example sentences containing iconoclast

1. The revolutionary leader was seen as an iconoclast by some and a hero by others.
2. The scientist's theories challenged established scientific beliefs, making her an iconoclast in her field.
3. The writer's novel was banned for being too iconoclastic and challenging established moral values.
4. The entrepreneur was seen as an iconoclast for her unconventional business practices and disregard for traditional norms.
5. The activist was seen as an iconoclast for her tireless efforts to challenge the status quo and fight for social justice.
6. The musician's unique style was seen as iconoclastic in the conservative music industry.

History and etymology of iconoclast

The noun 'iconoclast' has its etymological roots in Greek. It is formed from two Greek words: 'eikon' (meaning 'image' or 'icon') and 'klastēs' (meaning 'breaker' or 'destroyer'). In ancient Byzantium, 'iconoclasts' were individuals who opposed the veneration of religious icons and sought to destroy or remove them, often due to religious or ideological reasons. The term entered the English language with a broader sense, referring to anyone who challenges or opposes established beliefs, traditions, or institutions, often in a dramatic or disruptive way. An 'iconoclast' is characterized by their willingness to challenge the status quo and break with conventional norms, sometimes sparking controversy or pushing for radical change. Therefore, the etymology of 'iconoclast' underscores its use as a noun to describe individuals who question and challenge established paradigms or authorities, often with the aim of initiating significant societal or intellectual shifts.

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Further usage examples of iconoclast

1. The filmmaker's experimental approach was seen as iconoclastic and controversial by some critics.
2. The philosopher's ideas challenged established philosophical traditions, making him an iconoclast in his field.
3. The comedian's irreverent humor and taboo-breaking jokes made her an iconoclast in the world of comedy.
4. The politician's unconventional policies and disregard for established political norms made him an iconoclast in the eyes of many voters.
5. The architect's avant-garde designs were seen as iconoclastic and challenged traditional notions of form and function.
6. The iconoclast's unconventional thinking shattered established norms and inspired change.
7. Becoming an iconoclast necessitates the courage to challenge deeply entrenched beliefs.
8. The young author boldly embraced her role as an iconoclast in the world of literature.
9. Iconoclast, by nature, disrupts the status quo, catalyzing societal evolution.
10. The iconoclast's daring ideas sent shockwaves through the conservative establishment.
11. Society relies on the iconoclast to challenge existing paradigms and stimulate innovation.
12. The tech iconoclast's visionary inventions reshaped the technological landscape.
13. Many consider him an iconoclast of our era, unafraid to defy prevailing conventions.
14. Iconoclast leaves an indelible mark on culture, pushing boundaries and sparking discourse.
15. The iconoclast's impassioned speeches ignited vital debates on pressing issues.
16. Iconoclasts bravely shatter conventional thinking, forging new paths to innovation.
17. The artist's work gained acclaim for its iconoclastic nature, pushing creative boundaries.
18. Iconoclasts frequently encounter fierce resistance from established institutions and beliefs.
19. Society depends on iconoclast to challenge conventions and lead us towards progress.
20. The iconoclast's unorthodox approach disrupted entrenched norms, fostering innovation.
21. Iconoclast serves as a beacon of inspiration, urging others to transcend limitations.
22. The iconoclast's enduring legacy endures through the profound impact of their ideas.
23. Iconoclast continually redefines the boundaries of possibility, propelling positive change.
24. The world owes much of its progress to the visionary thinking of iconoclast individuals.
25. In the grand tapestry of history, iconoclast emerges as a catalyst of societal transformation.