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

From the very beginning, this program was made possible by the determination and advocacy of Connecticut farmers. —U.s. Rep. Rosa Delauro, Hartford Courant, 14 Jan. 2025

The oil and gas industry also has the chance to shape future policies through lobbying and advocacy. —Jay R. Young, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

The move generated pushback from advocacy organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League, and even Shari Redstone, the controlling shareholder of Paramount Global. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 Jan. 2025

Legacy asbestos, still found in older buildings, could also contribute to the toxic mix, according to the Mesothelioma Center, a patient advocacy organization. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 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