iconoclasm

Literally, iconoclasm is the destruction of religious icons and other sacred images or monuments, usually for religious or political motives.

People who engage in such practices are called iconoclasts, a term that has come to be applied to any person who breaks or disdains established dogmas or conventions. Conversely, people who revere or venerate religious images are called iconodules.

Iconoclasms can be carried out by people of a different religion, but are often the result of sectarian disputes between factions of the same religion.

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