1. a revered animal, plant, natural force, or inanimate object that is conceived as the ancestor, symbol, protector, or tutelary spirit of a people, clan, or community. It is usually made the focus of certain ritual activities and taboos, typically against killing or eating it.

2. as interpreted by Sigmund Freud in Totem and Taboo (1912–1913), any symbol or representation of the primal father. —totemic adj. —totemism n.