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

Her husband co-founded the conservative advocacy group in 2012. —Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Another way is just public awareness of what’s at stake, in an attempt to galvanize parents, advocacy groups, and lawmakers to demand new rules or stricter enforcement. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025

The message resonated with the Creative Coalition’s mission of protecting and supporting the arts through education and advocacy for programs such as the NEA. —Andrew McGowan, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025

Similar messages of continuing Kirk's advocacy were shared at multiple vigils. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 13 Sep. 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