Creating the impression of public support by paying people in the public to pretend to be supportive.

The false support can take the form of letters to the editor, postings on message boards in response to criticism, and writing to politicians in support of the cause.

Astroturfing is the opposite of "grassroots", genuine public support of an issue.
Mike, admit you just got caught astroturfing. You're just pimping your own blog.

Microsoft didn't have grassroots support, so they created astroturf support.
by holloway August 17, 2004
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v. The technique of using boiler plate text to advance a political agenda. "Astroturfing" is typically done by sending the same letter to every newspaper one can find. A certain number of newspapers will be duped into thinking that the letter is original and heartfelt when it is neither.
Many newspapers were astroturfed with the pro-Bush letters posted at the pResident's web site. Many newspapers were convinced that a number of soldiers worship Bush as the Messiah incarnate.
by fugitive October 9, 2004
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A substitute for grass - Usually played on by soccer/football teams
"That was some good astroturf we played on at the weekend I almost thought it was real grass"
by Rossy boy August 9, 2006
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(n.) Plastic grass for those too lazy to do any real gardening.

(n.) false hair, such as a wig or someone on "re-gain for men", or a dumbass hair thickening spray.
That ain't real y'know. He's got astroturf on his head.
by Kung-Fu Jesus May 1, 2004
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A form of spamming public opinion from political organisations via the media.

Specifically where a media operation of a Campaign or political party distributes a press release to voulunteers who forward it en masse by letter and e-mail to media organisations in an attempt to distort the media organisations perception of public opinion, and distort the media organisations output.
The effort to (get) Astroturf printed appears to have worked in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

In Arizona, xxxxxx got the astroturf accepted as a grassroots effort.
by blobby December 29, 2004
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Astroturfing is a sex act involving rubbing a shaved head on a partner's vagina or anus for pleasure.
Ever since Helen shaved her head we've been experimenting with astroturfing her scalp against my clit and it makes me come so hard!
by iloveastroturfing April 24, 2017
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