Noun

1. 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.

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

   • 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.

   2008 The Handbook of Texas Online, William Cowper Brann, Texas State Historical Association, Austin http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/BB/fbr23.html:

   • 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. One who attacks cherished beliefs.