godfather

[ˈɡɒdfɑːðə]

godfather Definition

• 1. a man who is a sponsor for a child at baptism
• 2. a man who is influential in a particular field, typically in business or politics
• 3. a man who is head of a mafia family

Using godfather: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "godfather" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He asked his uncle to be his godfather.

• Example

  He was considered the godfather of modern jazz.

• Example

  The godfather of the mafia family was arrested last night.

godfather Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for godfather

• patron
• sponsor
• backer
• supporter
• protector

Phrases with godfather

• be a godfather to

  act as a sponsor or mentor to someone

  Example

  He agreed to be a godfather to his nephew.

• godfather clause

  a provision in a law or contract that exempts a particular group from the law or contract

  Example

  The godfather clause allowed only white people to vote.

• godfather offer

  an offer that cannot be refused, often used in a threatening way

  Example

  The mafia boss made him a godfather offer he couldn't refuse.

Origins of godfather

from God + father, meaning 'a male godparent'

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Summary: godfather in Brief

The term 'godfather' [ˈɡɒdfɑːðə] can refer to a male sponsor for a child at baptism, an influential person in a particular field, or the head of a mafia family. It is often used in phrases like 'be a godfather to' and 'godfather clause.' The term is also used colloquially to refer to a powerful person in general.