TOTEMIC Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

totemic

[ toh-tem-ik ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

of, being, or relating to a natural object or animate being, as an animal or bird, assumed as the emblem of a clan, family, or group:
Crocodiles are regarded as totemic animals in some parts of Africa, connected with a group's origin, ancestors, and place.
of, being, or relating to anything regarded as a distinctive or venerated emblem by a group or individual:
I explained that the great horse trilogy, My Friend Flicka, was one of the most vivid and totemic elements of my childhood.
This has been a totemic issue for their party over the years, literally a signature policy during the last election.

Discover More

Other 51�Թ� Forms

��ܲ�·�ٴ�·�ٱ�·�� adjective
�ٴ�·�ٱ�·��·��·�� adverb

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of totemic¹

First recorded in 1840–50; totem ( def ) + -ic

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It would have been a totemic "sticker shock" for the White House tumultuous tariff push.

From

Its totemic car industry now faces significant competition from Chinese advances in battery power.

From

Could this inheritance tax change prove equally totemic?

From

There are concerns that the change - which has proved controversial among farmers since its announcement - could become “totemic” in rural Britain.

From

Given that, perhaps it isn't that surprising that the question of who the Sun newspaper supports in an election is still viewed as totemic and prompts coverage far wider than is perhaps justified.

From

Related 51�Թ�s

Browse