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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
President Biden came to represent a father figure to many of us.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 23 July 2024
She’s had a father figure, and she’s had some sense of human experience, whereas Homelander has been locked in this underground space for years and years.
—Sophie Hanson, StyleCaster, 27 June 2024
Bill Bachrach, swimming coach at the Illinois Athletic Club, would become a father figure to the fledgling star.
—Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2024
The loss of that friend and father figure rocked Freeling in the summer of 2021.
—Tom Jackman, Washington Post, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for father figure
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'father figure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 17 Sep. 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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