advocacy

noun

ad·​vo·​ca·​cy ˈad-və-kə-sē 

: the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal : the act or process of advocating (see advocate entry 2) something

known for his advocacy of gay rights

Examples of advocacy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, unions and advocacy groups are preparing legal challenges, arguing that the terminations violate established civil service protections. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025

Prominent university presidents, legal scholars, and advocacy groups have denounced the letter as an overreach that threatens institutional autonomy. —Scott White, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

On Monday, Nathaniel Akerman, a former Watergate prosecutor representing the nonpartisan advocacy group Common Cause, suggested that the judge appoint a special prosecutor to handle the case independently. —Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2025

According to the advocacy group's spokesperson, Common Cause learned on Friday that the Post would not run the ad criticizing Musk. —Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English advocacie "intercession," borrowed from Anglo-French advocassie "pleading," borrowed from Medieval Latin advocatia "patronage," from Latin advocātus advocate entry 1 + -ia -y entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing advocacy

• advocacy journalism

Kids Definition

advocacy

noun

ad·​vo·​ca·​cy ˈad-və-kə-sē 

: the act or process of advocating : support

Legal Definition

advocacy

noun

ad·​vo·​ca·​cy ˈad-və-kə-sē 

1

: the profession or work of an advocate

2

: the action of advocating, pleading for, or supporting a cause or proposal

a consequence of his moving advocacy

—W. O. Douglas