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

"He picked on a few boys within that group, befriend us, invited us back out to lunch at his family home and slowly over the years became a sort of father figure to me."

From BBC

"He used to tell me that he was an embarrassment, that I should look to him as a father figure."

From BBC

Relatives testified that Olivares “was a loving gentle father and father figure who had no history of abuse and would never have intentionally harmed Isiah,” according to court records.

From Los Angeles Times

A revolving cast of father figures - he changed his surname several times - and his mother's substance abuse issues resulted in a chaotic childhood, and he regularly found refuge in Mamaw's house.

From BBC

"Teen soap?" the father figure to a generation of "The O.C." fans says, still a little flummoxed at the idea.

From Salon