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

Park Price is advocacy and policy director at New Yorkers for Parks. —Jon Orcutt, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026

Datko founded Jeffco Kids First, a parent advocacy group that seeks greater transparency and student safety. —Olivia Young, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026

Uniejewski’s endorsements include progressive advocacy groups such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Sunrise Movement Chicago. —Jack O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

Lehagre said the decision follows years of legal advocacy by the group. —Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 14 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