totemism
Origin of totemism
1Other words from totemism
- to·tem·is·tic, adjective
Words Nearby totemism
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use totemism in a sentence
The authorities superstitious “custom” and it is probable that in symbolism may also be found the origin of totemism.
Archaic England | Harold BayleyHence Animism, totemism, and their numerous subsidiary developments.
Theism or Atheism | Chapman CohenFrom early times on, the phenomena of totemism have been accompanied by certain forms of tribal organization.
Elements of Folk Psychology | Wilhelm WundtThese do not appear until the period of totemism, with whose firm social organization they are closely connected.
Elements of Folk Psychology | Wilhelm WundtThe breeding of useful domestic animals, in particular, is very closely connected with totemism.
Elements of Folk Psychology | Wilhelm Wundt
British Dictionary definitions for totemism
/ (ˈtəʊtəˌmɪzəm) /
the belief in kinship of groups or individuals having a common totem
the rituals, taboos, and other practices associated with such a belief
Derived forms of totemism
- totemist, noun
- totemistic, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for totemism
[ (toh-tuh-miz-uhm) ]
The belief that people are descended from animals, plants, and other natural objects. Symbols (see also symbol) of these natural ancestors, known as totems, are often associated with clans (groups of families tracing common descent). By representing desirable individual qualities (such as the swiftness of a deer) and helping to explain the mythical origin of the clan, totems reinforce clan identity and solidarity.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Browse