father figure

[fah-ther fig-yer]

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of father figure¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

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.

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One of the leading German geographers of the era, Karl Haushofer, was a father figure to Rudolf Hess and Adolf Hitler.

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The song initially takes the perspective of the mentor who sees potential, profit and the opportunity to be a father figure for the protégé.

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Her father figure was Jimmy Corkhill, played by the late Dean Sullivan.

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In evangelical Christianity, God is viewed as the ultimate father figure who is to be obeyed totally and blindly.

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