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

Advocates step in to uphold rule Various advocacy groups have taken up the mantle on behalf of consumers. —Vanessa Romo, NPR, 26 May 2025

However, the State Department report noted, while some advocacy groups asserted that these burglaries, home invasions, and murders were racially motivated, other observers attributed the incidents to South Africa’s exorbitantly high crime rate. —Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 25 May 2025

Some 81% of IRA investment has gone to Republican districts, according to data from advocacy group E2. —Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 24 May 2025

Topline The Federal Trade Commission is reportedly investigating the liberal advocacy group, Media Matters for America, which is being sued by Elon Musk—the latest effort by the Trump administration to target media organizations the president views unfavorably. —Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 23 May 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