authority figure
One with clout
An authority figure is a person who holds power or commands respect due to their position, expertise, or role—parents, teachers, police officers, bosses.
The term often appears in contexts examining how people relate to power: He has trouble with authority figures.
Psychology uses it to discuss patterns of deference, rebellion, or transference rooted in early relationships with parents or guardians.
- supervisorOne who directs workers
- bossWorkplace superior
- chain of commandFormal authority hierarchy
- rulerOne who governs
- officerAuthority figure in uniform
law enforcement · patriarch · strict parent · role model · moral compass · commander · chief · teacher · school principal · manager · director · mentor · legitimacy · governance · obedience · court order · parent · parental control
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