father-figure
Stand-in male parent
A father-figure is a man who fulfills the emotional or mentoring role of a father without being one's biological parent.
The term usually implies someone older who provides guidance, protection, or support: He became a father-figure to the fatherless boys in the neighborhood.
Coaches, teachers, uncles, and stepfathers commonly serve as father-figures.
Trusted wisdom-giving advisor
- advisorOne who gives guidance
- counselorOne who advises
- coachOne who instructs
- teacherOne who instructs others
tutor · sage · guide · confidant · wisdom · counsel · support · encouragement
Male head of family
- leaderOne who guides others
- disciplinarianStrict enforcer of rules
- commanderPerson with authority over others
- chiefTop-ranking leader
boss · headmaster · principal · elder · provider · breadwinner · decision-maker · stern
Protective caretaker of another
- defenderOne who guards another
- providerOne who furnishes things
- championTop competitor, or advocate
- heroOne admired for courage
rescuer · safeguard · sentinel · custodian · watchful · shelter · security · stronghold
Male family elder
- adoptiveLegally taking as one's own
- stand-inTemporary human placeholder
- substituteReplacement for another
- proxyAuthorized substitute
replacement · non-biological · parental · caregiver · honorary
Supportive care-giving
- supportiveOffering help and reassurance
- affectionateShowing warm regard
- caringShowing kind concern
- lovingFeeling deep affection
compassionate · understanding · patient · encouraging · comforting · reassuring · validating · accepting
mentor
Trusted wisdom-giving advisor
teacher · tutor · sage · guide · confidant · wisdom · counsel · support · encouragement · inspiration
patriarch
Male head of family
- leaderOne who guides others
- disciplinarianStrict enforcer of rules
- commanderPerson with authority over others
chief · boss · headmaster · principal · elder · provider · breadwinner · decision-maker · stern · firm
guardian
Protective caretaker of another
hero · rescuer · safeguard · sentinel · custodian · watchful · shelter · security · stronghold · caretaker
uncle
Male family elder
- adoptiveLegally taking as one's own
- stand-inTemporary human placeholder
- substituteReplacement for another
proxy · replacement · non-biological · parental · caregiver · honorary
nurturing
Supportive care-giving
- supportiveOffering help and reassurance
- affectionateShowing warm regard
- caringShowing kind concern
loving · compassionate · understanding · patient · encouraging · comforting · reassuring · validating · accepting · dependable
father-figureabuser
One who mistreats others
tormentor · bad influence · predator · bully · corrupter
father, figure, grandfather, fatherly, fatherhood, fathers, godfather, paternal, configuration