advocate

American  

[ad-vuh-keyt, ad-vuh-kit, -keyt] / ˈæd vəˌkeɪt, ˈæd və kɪt, -ˌkeɪt /

verb (used with object)

advocated, advocating

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

   He advocated higher salaries for teachers.

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verb (used without object)

advocated, advocating

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 byof ).

   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 British  

verb

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

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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

Other Word Forms

• advocative adjective
• advocator noun
• advocatory adjective
• nonadvocate noun
• preadvocate noun
• readvocate verb (used with object)
• subadvocate noun
• unadvocated adjective
• well-advocated adjective

Etymology

Origin of advocate

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

Example Sentences

Nesbitt became a private credit advocate: Cliffwater launched an index tracking performance, the firm shared research and Nesbitt wrote two books on the topic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

As well as caring for Sophia, Darren has become an advocate for families affected by childhood dementia, working with Alzheimer Scotland and speaking at the Scottish Parliament to push for better awareness and practical support.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, a longtime advocate for the elephants, filed a motion seeking to pause their relocation until the City Council could review the possibility of sending them to a sanctuary.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

An association of attorneys who advocate for investors argues that the money would be better spent addressing unpaid arbitration awards.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

According to South African law, since we were in the Supreme Court, Duma, as an advocate, was the only one permitted to address the judges directly.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• back
• campaign for
• defend
• encourage
• favor
• further
• justify
• press for
• promote
• propose
• push
• recommend
• support
• tout
• uphold
• urge