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