Definition of "advocate" in English

noun

1. Someone whose job is to speak for someone's case in a court of law; a counsel.

2. Anyone who argues the case of another; an intercessor.

3. A person who speaks in support of something, or someone; proponent

4. A person who supports others to make their voices heard, or ideally for them to speak up for themselves.

   • Since she started working with her advocate, she has become much more confident.

verb

1. (transitive) To plead in favour of; to defend by argument, before a tribunal or the public; to support, vindicate, or recommend publicly.

   • 7 March, 1624, Robert Sanderson, sermon at the Assizes, at Lincoln To advocate the cause of thy client.
   • 16 June, 1784, Edmund Burke, speech on reform of representation in the House of Commons This is the only thing distinct and sensible, that has been advocated.

2. (transitive) To encourage support for something.

   • I like trees, but I do not advocate living in them.

3. (intransitive, with for) To engage in advocacy.

   • We have been advocating for changes in immigration law.

4. (Scots law) To appeal from an inferior court to the Court of Session.

5. (Scots law, in higher courts) To call a case before itself for decision.