What does "advocacy" mean?

1. (support for a cause) public support for an idea, a plan, or a way of doing something. 2. (representing others) the work of helping people speak up for themselves or representing them in a legal way.

How do you use "advocacy"?

Often followed by the preposition 'for'.

advocacy

US //ˈædvəkəsi// UK //ˈædvəkəsi// ad·vo·ca·cy

1 support for a cause (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic Formal

public support for an idea, a plan, or a way of doing something.

the act of pleading or arguing in favour of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy; often used in political or social contexts.

Example

Her advocacy for clean water led to new laws in the city.

Example

The group's tireless advocacy for environmental reform eventually forced the government to reconsider its stance on carbon emissions.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'for'.
- opposition
- resistance
2 representing others (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Formal Law

the work of helping people speak up for themselves or representing them in a legal way.

the profession or work of an advocate; specifically, the act of representing the interests of a person or group in legal or social systems.

Example

The charity provides free advocacy for people who cannot afford a lawyer.

Example

Effective legal advocacy requires not only a deep knowledge of the law but also the ability to communicate complex arguments clearly to a jury.

Teacher's tip

In social work, this specifically refers to helping vulnerable people express their needs and secure their rights.
- representation
- mediation

Origin

From Middle English advocacie, advocacye, advocatye, from Middle French advocacie, advocatie, avocacie and Medieval Latin advocātia; equivalent to advocate + -cy.