Advocacy
/ˈæd.və.kə.si/noun
Public support for or active defense of a cause, policy, or person.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, an advocatus was someone called upon to assist another, especially in legal or public affairs; advocacy began as summoned support, not merely opinion.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wekʷ-
“To speak or utter; the reconstructed root behind several Latin speech words.”
Classical Latin
Latin
vocāre
“To call, summon, or invite; derived from the speech-related root.”
Classical Latin
Latin
advocātus
“A person called in to assist another, especially a legal adviser or supporter.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
advocātia
“The act or practice of serving as an advocate or providing support.”
13th–14th Century
Old French
avocacie / advocacie
“The role or practice of defending a cause or client.”
14th Century
Middle English
advocacie
“The practice of pleading for or supporting a person, cause, or position.”
Modern English
English
advocacy
“Active public support or defense of a cause, policy, or person.”