authority figure

An authority figure is a person whose power or right over another encourages obedience or emulation, as in The school principal was an engaging authority figure that most of the students looked up to.

An authority figure can anyone who commands or inspires obedience from someone else, whether or not the authority figure has any actual power over that person. Parents and teachers are some of a child’s first authority figures, usually with actual power over a child. Your boss is also an authority figure who usually has actual power over you, as are police and military personnel.

Authority figures might also only seem to have authority over others, because they inspire obedience or emulation. An authority figure might do this through fear, as with someone who is physically strong or aggressive, or through respectability or social influence.

Example: Alvin was a good authority figure for his grandchildren, offering wise advice and teaching them how to treat others.

The first records of the term authority figure come from around the 1940s. It combines the English terms authority, meaning “power or right,” and figure, meaning “a representation, character, or personage.”

Authority figures like parents and other guardians, teachers, mentors, local community leaders, and people in positions of influence are considered extremely important to the development of children. Children tend to copy what they see and need to learn what’s acceptable behavior and what isn’t. A good authority figure teaches respect for others and shows consideration for those they have authority over while enforcing any power they have over others.

What are some words that share a root or word element with authority figure? 

• authority
• figure

What are some words that often get used in discussing authority figure?

• emulate
• influence
• obedience

Authority figure is often used in discussions of people’s behavior and whether it is what is expected of them.

park rangers are the only authority figure i recognize

— abdul 🌌🤠 (@Advil) August 12, 2020

any authority figure: *is nice to me*

me, an intellectual: omg are u mad at me have i disappointed you am i disappointing you right now u would tell me if you were mad at me right

— jonny sun (@jonnysun) November 29, 2018

My career only really started to take off when I realized that at NO POINT was an “adult” or authority figure going to come in, take responsibility, & let me know what to do.

Mentors, bosses, investors, colleagues, & friends are all great, but in the end, it’s all up to you.

— Doug Ludlow (@dougludlow) July 13, 2021

Is authority figure used correctly in the following sentence?

Dan wasn’t a very good authority figure because he didn’t follow the rules he and his employees were supposed to follow.