lobby
LOB-ee
/ˈlɒb.i/
To seek to influence a politician, official, or lawmaker on a specific issue; as a noun, an organized group seeking such influence.
Focuses on direct persuasion of policy decision-makers, often behind closed doors or via organized interest groups.
The story behind the word. In the 1640s, 'lobby' referred to the large entrance hallway of the British House of Commons where citizens could meet members of parliament. By the early 19th century in America, journalists used the word as a verb describing representatives of special interests waiting in hotel lobbies to catch politicians.
Word relationships
- petition: Lobbying involves direct strategic persuasion of lawmakers, while petitioning involves submitting formal written requests signed by citizens.
- boycott: A boycott involves refusing economic or social interaction rather than actively persuading decision-makers.
Commonly confused with
- advocate: Advocating means supporting a cause publicly; lobbying means specifically target-persuading legislators to pass or defeat laws.
Word family
- lobbyist (noun): A person who takes part in an organized attempt to influence legislators
Collocations
- lobby lawmakers
- corporate lobby
- lobby against
- lobby hard for
Idioms & expressions
- lobbying firm
Example sentences
- "Environmental groups plan to lobby lawmakers directly before the renewable energy bill comes to a vote." Legislative advocacy report
- "Trade associations heavily lobby parliament to secure favorable taxation terms for manufacturing exports." Analysis of political campaign tactics
Memory hook
LOBBYists wait in the building LOBBY to corner lawmakers. Cornering lawmakers in the hallway.
When not to use
Do not use for general public protest that does not directly target legislators or policy officials.
Fun facts
- U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant allegedly popularized the term by complaining about persistent influence-seekers approaching him in the lobby of the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C.
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