Which noun describes a person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions?

• A. Conformist
• B. Iconoclast
• C. Traditionalist
• D. Reformer

Answer: (B)

You're being asked to identify a noun for someone who challenges cherished beliefs or institutions. An iconoclast is a person who attacks or challenges established icons, beliefs, or institutions, often by questioning their authority or value. The term comes from iconoclasm, originally a historical movement that opposed religious images, but it now broadly means challenging long-held ideas or practices. The other terms describe different attitudes: a conformist sticks with prevailing norms; a traditionalist prefers preserving longstanding traditions; a reformer works to change things for the better without necessarily tearing them down. Because iconoclast specifically captures the act of attacking or overturning cherished beliefs or institutions, it is the best fit.