What term describes a person who often attacks cherished beliefs or institutions?

The term that describes a person who often attacks cherished beliefs or institutions is "iconoclast." An iconoclast is someone who challenges and criticizes established norms, values, or revered traditions. This term originates from a historical context where iconoclasts opposed the veneration of icons in religious settings, subsequently expanding to apply to anyone who challenges societal and philosophical beliefs.

In contrast, a skeptic tends to question or doubt accepted beliefs but does not necessarily attack them with the same intensity or intent as an iconoclast. A revolutionary seeks to enact significant change, often through radical means, and may or may not focus on attacking cherished beliefs specifically. A traditionalist, on the other hand, values and adheres to established customs and norms, standing in opposition to the actions of an iconoclast. Thus, "iconoclast" best encapsulates the concept of someone fundamentally opposing and critiquing established beliefs and institutions.