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

Nancy Shear wasn’t yet out of her teens when she was hired as musical assistant to the eminent and enigmatic symphony conductor Leopold Stokowski, who became her mentor and a father figure of sorts.

From The Wall Street Journal

In other words, Gen Z wants a financial father figure.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Beam stepped in, stepped in as a father figure, a father role,” Nahshon Wright said.

From Los Angeles Times

The show depicted Beam as a mentor and father figure to his players, some of whom were facing significant challenges in their lives, as they navigate a football season.

From Los Angeles Times

“He gave me that affection that I was lacking because I never had a father figure,” Sánchez said.

From Los Angeles Times