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

Special education advocacy groups say they were inundated with questions. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025

The Greg Knapp Memorial Fund raises money to save lives through education and advocacy on the dangers of distracted driving. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025

Effective advocacy pairs public leadership with technical depth and coordinated action. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025

The song has been released in partnership with advocacy group GLAAD to celebrate Spirit Day, an annual initiative that harnesses influential voices to stand against the bullying of LGBTQ+ youth and families. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 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