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 a series of speeches, the late reverend’s children, civil rights leaders and two presidents of African nations said the best way to honor Jackson’s legacy is to continue his advocacy for universal human rights and economic justice. —Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026

From providing advocacy and helping residents process their grief to connecting them with mental health resources and training for violence prevention. —Mariana Navarrete Villegas, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026

Getting the president on board Although environmental advocacy groups such as Friends of the Great Salt Lake, the Audubon Society and the Nature Conservancy have been pushing for years to save the Great Salt Lake, Romney said their messages had not been resonating with his community. —Evan Bush, NBC news, 7 Mar. 2026

Through the protests in the streets of Iran and the tireless advocacy of the diaspora, the Iranian people’s desire for a secular democracy and rule of law is undeniable. —Derek Tran, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 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