Etymology

iconoclasm

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Today it means: The belief in, participation in, or sanction of destroying religious icons and other symbols or monuments, usually with religious or political motives. Full definition →

First used 1797
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The story

From iconoclast.

First known use, by meaning

  • 1797 The belief in, participation in, or sanction of destroying religious icons and other symbols or monuments, usually with religious or political motives.
  • 1858 A challenge to a widely held belief, tradition or cherished institution.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.