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father figure
noun
: a person often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father
Examples of father figure in a Sentence
The coach was a stern, wise father figure to his players.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Owl, the father figure, flies into rages, yelling and occasionally lashing out with a hand or foot.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
And, when John was murdered outside the Dakota on Dec. 8, 1980, Mintz stepped in to become Yoko’s rock as well as a father figure to the couple’s young son, Sean.
—Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2024
In 1995, Kiryu has two father figures: the ex-yakuza who raised him in an orphanage and his clan leader.
—Ash Parrish, The Verge, 25 Oct. 2024
In a dramatic turn, Cleo’s old friend and father figure, Terrance, sacrifices his life to save hers at the end of Episode 4.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1916, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near father figure
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father%20figure. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
father figure
noun
fa·ther figure
ˈfät͟h-ər-
: one often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father
More from Merriam-Webster on father figure
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for father figure
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