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

The lawsuit was filed last fall by the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, Public Counsel, and Los Angeles immigrant advocacy groups during an unprecedented surge of immigration enforcement in the region. — Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026

But several people who spoke during the board meeting commended students who took part in the walkout and asked they not be punished for their advocacy. — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Those details aren't moving Henderson, who believes his advocacy is coming from God. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

MEHKOs were first legalized by state lawmakers in 2019 following advocacy from nonprofit organization The COOK Alliance. — Lauren Ng, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 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