noun
informer
Informer (noun) means someone who secretly tells the authorities about a crime or wrongdoing. Example: “The gang suspected there was an informer in their ranks.”
noun
1
Someone who secretly tells the authorities about a crime or wrongdoing.
"He acted as an informer during the rebellion."
"The police relied on an informer to catch the gang."
"Being an informer often meant living in fear."
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- informers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The gang suspected there was an _____ in their ranks.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman enfourmour — the same root as "inform" plus the "-er" agent ending.
Related words
Rhymes for informer
See all rhymes for informer →Frequently asked questions
What does “informer” mean?
The word “informer” means someone who secretly tells the authorities about a crime or wrongdoing. In plain terms, a person who passes secret information to police or officials, often about criminals.
How do you use “informer” in a sentence?
Here is “informer” used in a sentence: “The gang suspected there was an informer in their ranks.”
What is another word for “informer”?
Words with a similar meaning to “informer” include informant.
What part of speech is “informer”?
“Informer” is a noun.
Where does the word “informer” come from?
The word “informer” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman enfourmour — the same root as "inform" plus the "-er" agent ending.
