founding father

a person who establishes a whole new field of endeavor <Theodor Herzl is often credited as the founding father of modern Zionism> Synonyms author, begetter, creator, establisher, founder, father, generator, inaugurator, initiator, instituter (or institutor), originator, sireRelated Words cocreator, cofounder; conceiver, contriver, designer, deviser, formulator, innovator, introducer, inventor, spawner; builder, maker, producer; developer, pioneer, researcher, researchist; organizer, promoter; encourager, galvanizer, inspiration, inspirerNear Antonyms disciple, follower, pupil, student, supporter