authority figure

noun

1. a person whose real or apparent authority over others inspires or demands obedience and emulation:

   Parents, teachers, and police officers are traditional authority figures for children.

Example Sentences

We boys were taught to exist as men and defend that, to hold onto the idea that we are leaders and authority figures, even if we didn't earn it.

From Salon

He said he ran through the history of German authority figures, with Trump reiterating that he meant he wanted generals with the loyalty of the upper echelons of the military of Nazi Germany.

From Salon

Through interviews with politicians and other authority figures the station aims to hold the powerful to account, while also changing the way that people with learning disabilities are seen.

From BBC

They may use charm, create a false sense of urgency or pose as authority figures to pressure victims.

From Salon

She encouraged her viewers to vote but to remain skeptical of authority figures and the government.

From Los Angeles Times

More About Authority Figure

What is an 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.

Where does authority figure come from?

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.

Did you know … ?

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

How is authority figure used in real life?

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

 

Try using authority figure!

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.