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

Those supporters include a long list of tribes and advocacy groups. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026

For years, Kiganda channeled his grief into advocacy, participating in World AIDS Day to raise awareness about HIV. — Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026

Along with fitness and movement, students would learn skills tied to mental-health awareness, healthy relationships, communication, decision-making, goal-setting, advocacy and finding appropriate help. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

There’s something every one of us can do to change the world, and what better way to participate than by taking action with Global Citizen, earning those points, and celebrating with a day of music and advocacy to close out the summer. — Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 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