father figure

American  

[fah-ther fig-yer] / ˈfɑ ðər ˌfɪg yər /

noun

1. an emotional substitute for one's father, especially one who fulfills parental functions such as protection, authority, support, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of father figure

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Army colonel Lee Shaw, her team’s father figure, in the monster realm they call Axis Mundi.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

But this strong father figure is also punitive in nature; they want to earn his approval to avoid being punished.

From Salon • Feb. 24, 2026

For hardened followers, Al-Houthi, who is believed to be in his mid-40s, is a father figure who claims to have descended from the Prophet Muhammad.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

Dowie said he was like a father figure to her.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2025

I want a supportive father figure in my life.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers