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

In the past decade or so, more scientists and advocacy organizations began to mobilize around nuclear power. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2024

The advocacy organization Hip-Hop Stands with Survivors filed the complaint against New York radio station Hot 97 and the host for allowing the Zulu Nation founder to appear on the platform and spreading misinformation. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Twenty-six states have laws banning gender-affirming treatments for minors, according to the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy group. —Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 2 Dec. 2024

These views were met with widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, fans, and individuals who accused her of transphobia. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2024

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