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
She’s lost this father figure in Irving and then she’s lost this brother figure because Dylan seems to have turned his back on her, at least in that episode.
—
Paul Tassi, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
His total disinterest in Chloe’s extracurriculars reminds me of that time on 30 Rock when Jenna taught Jack to accept his role in as the father figure in his younger girlfriend’s Pokemon, to free himself from the pressure to, say, watch her friends DJ at a warehouse party in Brooklyn.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025
After their father died in 1991, Craig served as a father figure to Michelle, even walking her down the aisle at her wedding to former President Barack Obama.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
These issues often develop when a father figure was absent, inconsistent, overly critical or harsh during a child’s most precious, formative years.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
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Paul Tassi, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
His total disinterest in Chloe’s extracurriculars reminds me of that time on 30 Rock when Jenna taught Jack to accept his role in as the father figure in his younger girlfriend’s Pokemon, to free himself from the pressure to, say, watch her friends DJ at a warehouse party in Brooklyn.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025
After their father died in 1991, Craig served as a father figure to Michelle, even walking her down the aisle at her wedding to former President Barack Obama.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
These issues often develop when a father figure was absent, inconsistent, overly critical or harsh during a child’s most precious, formative years.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father%20figure. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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