father figure

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

NOUN

father substitute

Synonyms

WEAK

father image father surrogate substitute surrogate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Nancy Shear wasn’t yet out of her teens when she was hired as musical assistant to the eminent and enigmatic symphony conductor Leopold Stokowski, who became her mentor and a father figure of sorts.

From The Wall Street Journal

The man has so many different types of fathers and father figures in his credits: “Crooklyn,” “The Cider House Rules,” “This Christmas,” “The Harder They Fall.”

From Washington Post

Nate's behavior is completely out of order, but because Nate has never had a father figure in his life, he doesn't really have a support network.

From Salon

In so many ways, Trump is their preacher, teacher, father figure, confidant, priest and lover all embodied in one person.

From Salon

“I love Pete and he was a father figure to me and John believed in me and drafted me as well,” Wilson tweeted.

From Seattle Times