Informer - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An informer is a person who provides information, often secretly, to authorities or others about illegal activities or wrongdoing. They help uncover hidden or confidential details.
Definition:
A person who provides information, often secretly, to authorities or others.
Synonyms:
informant, snitch, whistleblower, tipster
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
confidant, ally
Common Collocations:
police informer, anonymous informer, reliable informer
Derivatives:
informing, informed
Usage Tips:
Use "informer" for someone who secretly shares information; avoid confusion with "informant," which is more neutral.
Common Phrases:
turn informer, informer's identity, informer network
Etymology:
From Latin *informare* ("to shape, describe") via Old French *informour*.
Examples:
- 1. The police relied on an informer to solve the case.
- 2. She feared being labeled an informer by her coworkers.
- 3. The informer provided crucial details about the robbery.
- 4. He became an informer to avoid jail time.
- 5. The journalist protected the informer’s identity in the article.