pressure group
n. countablen. a group of people who try to influence the government or big companies to change a law or a policy. They usually focus on one specific issue, like the environment or animal rights.
n. an organised association that seeks to influence public policy or government legislation on behalf of a specific cause or interest. Often operates through lobbying, public demonstrations, or media campaigns rather than seeking elected office.
An environmental pressure group is protesting against the new airport.
The local pressure group successfully petitioned the council to stop the building of a motorway through the woods.
Scholars distinguish between 'insider' pressure groups that consult directly with civil servants and 'outsider' groups that must rely on public agitation to gain political attention.
Often followed by the preposition 'for' or 'against' a particular policy.