totemism

[ toh-tuh-miz-uhm ]

/ ˈtoʊ təˌmɪz əm /

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noun

the practice of having totems.

the system of tribal division according to totems.

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Origin of totemism

An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; totem + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM totemism

to·tem·is·tic, adjective

Words nearby totemism

tote bag, tote board, tote box, totem, totemic, totemism, totemist, totemite, totem pole, tote road, totes

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

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 Bayley
Hence Animism, Totemism, and their numerous subsidiary developments.
Theism or Atheism|Chapman Cohen
From early times on, the phenomena of totemism have been accompanied by certain forms of tribal organization.
Elements of Folk Psychology|Wilhelm Wundt
These do not appear until the period of totemism, with whose firm social organization they are closely connected.
Elements of Folk Psychology|Wilhelm Wundt

The breeding of useful domestic animals, in particular, is very closely connected with totemism.
Elements of Folk Psychology|Wilhelm Wundt

British Dictionary definitions for totemism

totemism

/ (ˈtəʊtəˌmɪzəm) /

noun

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, nountotemistic, 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

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.