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

“She is an advocate for parent rights and the protection of children,” Miner said.

From Los Angeles Times

Dozens of immigration advocates and labor leaders gathered outside the City Council chambers before Tuesday’s vote, calling on the council to pass the sanctuary city law, which is modeled after a 1989 San Francisco law.

From Los Angeles Times

Lai argued on Wednesday that he opposed violence and that advocating for Hong Kong independence was "too crazy to think about".

From BBC

"We are advocating for more innovation, more creativity and more urgency," Li said.

From Science Daily

The American Chemistry Council, which advocates for the chemical industry, is calling for EPA to shed restrictive rules and accelerate approval of new chemicals.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

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