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

Mark Heywood KC, defending Alesbrook, said the defendant was "very young and very immature" at the time of the offences, but was "capable of being a very caring father figure".

From BBC

"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

In legal filings and during Friday’s hearing, Esparza said he viewed Huizar as a father figure who had been missing from his life.

From Los Angeles Times

People crave a godlike father figure, Freud explained, especially when they feel threatened with the eruption of two dangers: “the crushingly superior force of nature … and the shortcomings of society which have made themselves painfully felt.”

From Slate

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

From BBC