advocacy

noun

ad·​vo·​ca·​cy ˈad-və-kə-sē How to pronounce advocacy (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hours after Trump's victory, advocacy groups were setting their sights on the president-elect, who will take office Jan. 20. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024 However, since the state unveiled the materials this summer, educators, parents and advocacy groups have raised alarm about the inclusion of Bible stories over concerns the materials verge on proselytizing. Keri Heath, Austin American-Statesman, 19 Nov. 2024 Business advocacy groups have besieged the Legislature with calls to either undo the changes or reach a compromise on minimum wage and paid leave policies. Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 16 Nov. 2024 According to 2023 tax documents, Do No Harm raised about $3 million last year to support its lobbying and advocacy efforts. Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for advocacy 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of advocacy was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near advocacy

Cite this Entry

“Advocacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/advocacy. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

advocacy

noun
ad·​vo·​ca·​cy ˈad-və-kə-sē How to pronounce advocacy (audio)
: the act or process of advocating : support

Legal Definition

advocacy

noun
ad·​vo·​ca·​cy ˈad-və-kə-sē How to pronounce advocacy (audio)
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 advocacyW. O. Douglas

More from Merriam-Webster on advocacy

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