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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.

informer

/ɪnˈfɔrmər/ /ɪnˈfɔːmə/

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.

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