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

Bardot would nevertheless remain a media star, in part because of her numerous love affairs, advocacy for animals and zeal for right-wing politics. —Richard Natale, Variety, 28 Dec. 2025

Bill Ackman, a billionaire hedge fund manager, criticized Mamdani's advocacy for Palestinian rights and his socialist politics. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 28 Dec. 2025

However, her advocacy for animals didn’t know any ideological boundaries. —Lee Smith, CNN Money, 28 Dec. 2025

More than a few British Columbians doubt the commitment and effectiveness of their government’s advocacy for landowners. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 27 Dec. 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