father figure

American  

[fah-ther fig-yer] / ˈfɑ ðər ˌfɪg yər /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of father figure

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Army colonel Lee Shaw, her team’s father figure, in the monster realm they call Axis Mundi.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

But this strong father figure is also punitive in nature; they want to earn his approval to avoid being punished.

From Salon • Feb. 24, 2026

"She was looking for a father figure to speak to and confide in and from whom to get guidance," the tribunal said.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

“Beam stepped in, stepped in as a father figure, a father role,” Nahshon Wright said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

“Malcolm obviously needs a father figure and a firm hand.”

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz