noun
informer
noun
1
Someone who secretly tells the authorities about a crime or wrongdoing.
"The gang suspected there was an informer in their ranks."
"Police often rely on paid informers to break big cases."
How to Use Informer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person who passes secret information to police or officials, often about criminals.
Common mistake
Usually carries a negative, "snitch"-like tone rather than a neutral one.
Common pairings
police informer
a paid informer
Word Forms
informers plural
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The gang suspected there was an _____ in their ranks.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman enfourmour — the same root as "inform" plus the "-er" agent ending.