Find over 25,000 psychological definitions


totem

n.

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.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

December 22nd 2024

Machiavellianism

Machiavellianism

n. a personality trait marked by a calculating attitude toward human relationships and a belief that ends justify means, however ruthless. A Machiavellian is one who views other people more or less as objects to be manipulated in pursuit of his or her goals, if necessary through deliberate deception. [Niccolò Machiavelli, who argued that an effective ruler must be prepared to act in this way]