godfather

[ god-fah-ther ]

noun

1. a man who serves as sponsor for a child at baptism.
2. any male sponsor or guardian.
3. (often initial capital letter) a powerful leader, especially of the Mafia.
4. a person who is regarded as the originator or principal shaper of a movement, school of thought, art form, industry, or the like:

   the godfather of abstract expressionism.

verb (used with object)

1. to act as godfather to; be sponsor or protector for.

godfather

/ ˈɡɒdˌfɑːðə /

noun

1. a male godparent
2. the head of a Mafia family or other organized criminal ring
3. an originator or leading exponent

   the godfather of South African pop

Other Words From

• godfather·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of godfather¹

before 1000; Middle English godfader, Old English godfæder; god, father

Example Sentences

The case first came to light two months ago, when federal authorities arrested Iza, 24, calling him “the godfather” and accusing him of financial crimes and extortion.

From Los Angeles Times

County, the “godfather of progressive prosecutors” lost his reelection bid by more than 20 percentage points to a former Republican.

From Los Angeles Times

Finally, as well as never having been a godfather, there is another glaring omission for Pacino’s list of awards - the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

From BBC

Duncan, who describes his father as the "godfather of Heathrow paparazzi", said he worked until the last decade of his life.

From BBC

But critics of the “godfather of progressive prosecutors” maintain that harsher punishments for violent teenage offenders should be pursued more aggressively.

From Los Angeles Times