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 renowned suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people bestowed the annual award on the pop star for her advocacy for the community and mental health. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026

The Human Rights Campaign, one of the largest transgender advocacy lobbying groups in the country, has turned its back on two Democratic congressional candidates for going against a key position in the progressive wing’s pro-LGBT platform. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026

Michael Kearns, an actor and activist who brought attention to the AIDS crisis with his career choices and advocacy, has died at 76. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Oct. 2026

The plans laid out by the founder of the Gaza Children Village in a webinar last month have elicited ethical, safety and privacy concerns from some Palestinian and advocacy groups and at least one of the charity's partners. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 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