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

Challenges and confidence Nixon’s advocacy has earned admirers, to be sure, but also plenty of scorn. — Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

She was also endorsed by Moms for Liberty, a parental rights advocacy group, and the California Rifle and Pistol Association, a nonprofit that defends gun rights. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Irma Rappaport, credited with advocacy that helped see a bill get passed by a congressional committee, now wants to help bring her fight to many others. — Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026

Footage of Macklemore’s MetLife performance spread online, drawing criticism from some Jewish advocacy groups including StopAntisemitism, the Israeli American Council and the Anti-Defamation League. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

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