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

"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