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

Moore said that while any and all legal options will be considered, the group's main focus will be on advocacy for pretrial services and other programming that can keep people out of jail. —Arkansas Online, 3 Nov. 2025

The Blossom Ball is the signature fundraiser for the Endometriosis Foundation of America, supporting programs in education, awareness, advocacy and research for endometriosis. —Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025

District 9 council member Elizabeth Beck praised Bivens for her advocacy during the April 2025 council meeting. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2025

That’s the guiding principle that motivates the work and advocacy of Nir Barzilai, a longevity researcher and president of the Academy for Health & Lifespan Research. —Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 31 Oct. 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