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

In the past three months, the volunteer local advocacy group has experienced a wave of trustee exits (including two who were dismissed by council President Mary Soriano) and robust public criticism from some former trustees and other community members. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025

The advocacy group focuses on the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees in L.A. and throughout the state of California. —Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025

According to Reporters Without Borders, an advocacy group focused on media freedom, almost all independent media sources in Russia have been banned, blocked, or subjected to censorship and other sanctions since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025

The legal advocacy group Center for Constitutional Rights criticized the decision, saying that without the plea agreements, the case will never be resolved. —CBS News, 11 July 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