dossier

American  

[dos-ee-ey, -ee-er, daw-see-ey, -see-er, daw-syey] / ˈdɒs iˌeɪ, -i ər, ˈdɔ siˌeɪ, -si ər, dɔˈsyeɪ /

noun

plural

dossiers

1. a collection or file of documents on the same subject, especially a complete file containing detailed information about a person or topic.

   Synonyms:

   folder, report, record

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dossier British  

/ ˈdɒsɪˌeɪ, dosje, -sɪə /

noun

1. a collection of papers containing information on a particular subject or person

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Usage

What does dossier mean? A dossier is a collection of detailed information about a person or other subject.The word dossier is popularly associated with espionage, law enforcement, and politics. When used in these contexts, it often refers to a file that includes all the “dirt” on someone (such as secret negative information that could be used to blackmail them).Example: We’ve been tracking this guy for years—we have a 2,000-page dossier on him.

Etymology

Origin of dossier

1875–80; < French: bundle of documents with a label attached to the back or spine, equivalent to dos (< Latin dorsum ) back + -ier -ier ²

Example Sentences

NGOs contacted by AFP, several of whom declined to be quoted on the record due to the sensitivity of the issue, say they complied with most of Israel's requirements to provide a complete dossier.

From Barron's

Her fresh, engaging translation of the Perpetua dossier captures the nuances of the Latin with remarkable skill.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Commission is also examining disclosures made by Lord Alderdice in a dossier outlining concerns about alleged abuses of power within the church.

From BBC

This dossier was then leaked to U.K. newspaper the Daily Telegraph, which published excerpts over the past week.

From The Wall Street Journal

Public prosecutor Damien Brunet recommended that Sarkozy's request for release be granted, but that the former president be banned from contacting other witnesses in the so-called "Libyan dossier".

From BBC

Related Words

• summary