role model

• role-model
• rôle model (rare)

Coined by sociologist Robert K. Merton. First use appears c. 1944 in the American Sociological Review.

role model (plural role models)

1. A person who serves as an example, or whose behavior is emulated by others.

   Synonyms: exemplar, household deity; see also Thesaurus:model

   • 1986, Paul Simon (lyrics and music), “You Can Call Me Al”, in Graceland:

     Where's my wife and family? / What if I die here? / Who'll be my role model / Now that my role model is gone, gone?

   • 2008, BioWare, Mass Effect (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →ISBN, →OCLC, PC, scene: Citadel:

     Shepard: I don't have time for this, Conrad. I'm not here to be a role model.
     Conrad Verner: Oh, I see how it is. Commander Shepard doesn't have time for the little people!
     Conrad Verner: Far be it for me to get in your way! You go be a hero.

• authority figure
• father figure
• mother figure

•   role model on Wikipedia.Wikipedia