1. the practice of attacking or destroying religious images or icons
Usage: historical
2. the practice of challenging or attacking established beliefs, customs, or institutions

Examples

• The Byzantine Empire experienced periods of iconoclasm when religious images were systematically destroyed.
• Protestant reformers engaged in iconoclasm, removing statues and paintings from churches.
• Her iconoclasm toward traditional teaching methods made her unpopular with conservative educators.
• The artist’s iconoclasm challenged conventional ideas about beauty and form.
• Political iconoclasm often emerges during times of social upheaval.
• The museum exhibit explored the history of iconoclasm in various cultures.