advocate

Etymology

From Middle English advocat, advoket, from Old French advocat, from Latin advocātus (past participle of advocāre (“to call for”)), a calque of Ancient Greek παράκλητος (paráklētos) (whence English paraclete). Doublet of advoke, avouch, and avow.

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.
   He became a tireless advocate for the needs of adults with IMD throughout Britain and internationally. 9 Oct 2011, Alix Lee, The Guardian
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.
   Those who have advocated the closure of the G.C. have so far failed to say by which alternative route this North-to-West traffic could be carried. 1960 December, B. Perren, “The role of the Great Central—present and future”, in Trains Illustrated, page 765
   Varys even leans on Jon to assume the Iron Throne, which means he very well knew he wasn’t going to be around much longer, if he’s openly advocating others commit treason as well. 12 May 2019, Alex McLevy, “Westeros faces a disastrous final battle on the penultimate Game of Thrones (newbies)”, in The A.V. Club
   Back in 1963, how could Beeching advocate closure of the electrified Liverpool-Southport commuter route, just because its books didn't balance? The busy North London line between Richmond and Broad Street was also for the axe, as was Leeds to Bradford and Ilkley. March 8 2023, Howard Johnston, “Was Marples the real railway wrecker?”, in RAIL, number 978, page 50
3. (intransitive, with for) To engage in advocacy.
   We have been advocating for changes in immigration law.
   And why has no one in the [rail] industry advocated for a universal requirement for face covering (even if it's just a scarf or old tea towel), …. June 3 2020, Christian Wolmar, “Unworkable policies cripple our beleaguered railway”, in Rail, page 51
4. (Scotland, law) To appeal from an inferior court to the Court of Session.
5. (Scotland, law, in higher courts) To call a case before itself for decision.