The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

lobby

IPA:

Dictionary definition of lobby

To seek to influence public officials, policymakers, or legislators in favor of a particular cause or interest.
"The labor union is planning to lobby for better working conditions."

Detailed meaning of lobby

It involves attempting to persuade or convince individuals or groups who have the power to make decisions that could impact a person, organization, or community. Lobbying can be done through various means, such as direct communication, public demonstrations, or advertising. The goal of lobbying is to achieve a favorable outcome or to prevent an unfavorable one, such as passing or blocking a particular law or regulation. Lobbying can be undertaken by various entities, such as corporations, interest groups, nonprofits, or individuals, and can involve significant resources, such as time, money, and expertise. While lobbying can be a legitimate form of civic engagement and advocacy, it can also be subject to ethical concerns, such as transparency, accountability, or undue influence. Therefore, lobbying should be conducted in a responsible and ethical manner, with full disclosure of interests and motivations.

Example sentences containing lobby

1. I frequently lobby for environmental causes.
2. He actively lobbies against the proposed legislation.
3. She passionately lobbies for educational reforms.
4. They tirelessly lobby for healthcare access.
5. We strongly lobby for stricter gun control laws.
6. The organization strategically lobbies for policy changes.

History and etymology of lobby

The verb 'lobby' has an interesting etymology that can be traced back to the lobbies of legislative buildings. It originated in the United States in the early 19th century, where individuals seeking to influence lawmakers would gather in the lobbies of government buildings, particularly in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. These individuals would engage in conversations, discussions, and sometimes even exert pressure on legislators to advocate for specific causes or interests. Over time, the term 'lobby' came to be associated with the act of seeking to influence public officials or policymakers in favor of a particular cause. The word 'lobby' itself may have been influenced by the idea of gathering in the building's corridors, as 'lobby' originally referred to a covered walkway or passageway. Thus, the etymology of 'lobby' underscores its historical connection to the physical spaces where political influence and persuasion took place, which eventually led to the broader concept of lobbying as we understand it today.

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Further usage examples of lobby

1. He persistently lobbies for improved infrastructure funding.
2. She diligently lobbies for equal pay in the workplace.
3. They actively lobby for criminal justice reform.
4. We fervently lobby for affordable housing initiatives.
5. The company discreetly lobbies for tax incentives.
6. He persistently lobbies for increased research funding.
7. She passionately lobbies for stricter regulations on air pollution.
8. They actively lobby for renewable energy subsidies.
9. We diligently lobby for better healthcare coverage.
10. The union persistently lobbies for workers' rights.
11. He fervently lobbies for stronger consumer protection laws.
12. She actively lobbies for improved educational resources.
13. They tirelessly lobby for stricter environmental regulations.
14. We passionately lobby for stricter ethical standards in business.