interest group

noun

1. a group of people drawn or acting together in support of a common interest or to voice a common concern.

   Political interest groups seek to influence legislation.

interest group

1. An organized group that tries to influence the government to adopt certain policies or measures. Also called pressure group. (See lobby.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of interest group¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said he was "deeply saddened" by the violence and casualty toll, blaming the day's events on "infiltration by various vested interest groups".

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Instead, these elected officials are hyper-responsive to the policy demands and concerns of the richest Americans, corporations and interest groups.

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The Democrats running for California governor have spent the spring and summer working to win over the powerful donors and interest groups who could help them squeak through a competitive primary election.

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Then, a coalition of interest groups stood firm against Milosevic's attempts to manipulate the result of the September 2000 presidential election.

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When a pivotal bill designed to streamline housing construction recently stalled in the state Senate, Newsom effectively forced it through despite the concerns of progressive lawmakers, environmental interest groups and labor unions.

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Related Words

• lobby 
• political action committee www.thesaurus.com
• pressure group