aniconism
|an-i-con-ism|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.aɪˈkɑː.nɪ.zəm/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.aɪˈkɒn.ɪ.z(ə)m/
avoidance of figural images (esp. religious)
Etymology
'aniconism' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'an-' meaning 'not, without' and 'eikōn' meaning 'image, likeness', combined with the suffix '-ism' denoting 'practice or doctrine'.
'aniconism' changed through English formation from the adjective 'aniconic' (from Greek 'an-' + 'eikōn' via Latin/French 'icon/icône' into English 'icon'), with the abstract noun suffix '-ism', and eventually became the modern English word 'aniconism'.
Initially, it meant 'the state or condition of being without images', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the doctrine or practice of avoiding figural images, especially in religious contexts'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a religious doctrine or practice that avoids creating or using images of deities or sentient beings, especially in worship and sacred contexts.
Islamic aniconism shaped the development of calligraphy and geometric ornament.
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Noun 2
in art history, the absence of figural representation within a culture’s visual arts, often favoring abstract or symbolic forms instead.
Aniconism in early Jewish art can be seen in the preference for symbolic motifs over human figures.
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Noun 3
a personal or institutional policy of avoiding figurative imagery to prevent idolatry or misrepresentation.
Her aniconism extends to removing family portraits from the prayer room.
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Last updated: 2025/08/11 04:38