godfather

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the powerful leader of a criminal organization, especially the Mafia.

n. the head of a family or syndicate within an organized crime network, particularly the Sicilian Mafia.

Español:padrino

“In the movie, the godfather controls all the illegal business in the city.”

“Federal investigators spent years attempting to link the elusive godfather to the syndicate's money-laundering operations.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal

n. a man who is very important in starting or developing a new idea, style, or movement.

n. a person who plays a seminal or foundational role in the creation and development of a specific field or movement.

“He is often called the godfather of soul music because of his influence.”

“Many critics regard the late director as the godfather of modern independent cinema for his pioneering use of handheld cameras.”

C2 · Proficiency Formal

v. to act as a godfather to a child or to support a project like a guardian.

v. to serve as a godfather or to provide protective sponsorship and guidance to a person or initiative.

“He agreed to godfather the new arts program until it found permanent funding.”

“The senior partner offered to godfather the associate's career, providing the necessary political cover within the firm's hierarchy.”