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

But my advocacy for J6ers is not based on any particular remark, but on the principle that all Americans are entitled to due process and free speech. —Tom Dreisbach, NPR, 14 May 2025

The nonprofit crypto advocacy group, which launched in 2023 with the help of Coinbase, brought more than 60 founders to Washington to meet with lawmakers. —Julia Shapero, The Hill, 14 May 2025

Willie Nelson’s Farm Aid, the longest running concert for a cause, will mark the 40th anniversary of its advocacy for family farmers with an all-star festival on Sept. 20 at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. —Thom Duffy, Billboard, 13 May 2025

United Stateless, a human rights advocacy group, says reinterpreting birthright citizenship would create more stateless people. —Sarah Matusek, Christian Science Monitor, 13 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