advocate

[ verb ad-vuh-keyt; noun ad-vuh-kit, -keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ad·vo·cat·ed, ad·vo·cat·ing.

1. to speak or write in favor of; support or urge by argument; recommend publicly:

   He advocated higher salaries for teachers.

verb (used without object)

, ad·vo·cat·ed, ad·vo·cat·ing.

1. to act as an advocate:

   a father who advocates for his disabled child.

noun

1. a person who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person, cause, etc. (usually followed by of ):

   an advocate of peace.

   Synonyms: backer, proponent, champion

2. a person who pleads for or in behalf of another; intercessor.
3. a person who pleads the cause of another in a court of law.

   Synonyms: solicitor, barrister, counsel, counselor, attorney, lawyer

advocate

verb

1. tr; may take a clause as object to support or recommend publicly; plead for or speak in favour of

noun

1. a person who upholds or defends a cause; supporter
2. a person who intercedes on behalf of another
3. a person who pleads his client's cause in a court of law See also barrister solicitor counsellor
4. Scots law the usual word for barrister

Derived Forms

• ˌadvoˈcatory, adjective

Other Words From

• advo·cative adjective
• advo·cator noun
• non·advo·cate noun
• pre·advo·cate noun
• pre·advo·cate verb (used with object) preadvocated preadvocating
• re·advo·cate verb (used with object) readvocated readvocating
• sub·advo·cate noun
• un·advo·cated adjective
• well-advo·cated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of advocate¹

First recorded in 1300–50; from Latin advocātus “legal counselor,” originally past participle of advocāre “to call to one's aid,” equivalent to ad- ad- + vocāre “to call” (akin to vōx voice ); replacing Middle English avocat, from Middle French

Word History and Origins

Origin of advocate¹

C14: via Old French from Latin advocātus legal witness, advocate, from advocāre to call as witness, from vocāre to call

Example Sentences

“I’m a disability advocate, the only disabled person in this class, and I ran on that,” said Simon, who was born legally blind.

From Los Angeles Times

In its tribute, the charity hailed her as "a passionate advocate for improving literacy skills throughout her life", and said she "helped change lives in some of the UK's most disadvantaged communities".

From BBC

"I'm very excited about this project - I'm a big advocate for anything artistic, hence my Underground project - and I love collections," he said.

From BBC

Kendall, who is a long-time advocate of assisted dying, called the debate on the bill part of a “bigger” national discussion as more people "have longer deaths".

From BBC

They claim DEI promotes “unqualified” Black professionals and other people of color, while advocating for a so-called “color blind” meritocracy.

From Salon

Related Words

• backer
• campaigner
• defender
• lawyer
• promoter
• proponent
• supporter