informer

[in-fawr-mer]

noun

1. a person who informs inform against another, especially for money or other reward.

2. a person who informs inform or communicates information or news; informant.

informer

/ ɪnˈfɔːmə /

noun

1. a person who informs against someone, esp a criminal

2. a person who provides information

   he was the President's financial informer

Word History and Origins

Origin of informer¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; inform ¹, -er ¹

Example Sentences

In Mali, the mercenaries’ uncoordinated, brutal raids on civilian settlements “created chaos and fear within the Malian military hierarchy,” deterring informers from collaborating and creating recruitment opportunities for jihadists, the Sentry’s report said.

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There is something about a healthy personality that feels repelled by a snoop, a snitch, a stool pigeon, an informer.

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"I think that's probably the only way it's going to be solved - someone on the inside becomes an informer."

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It will also introduce extra powers for investigators, and a special protected status for informers.

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Martin was described as an informer within the IRA.

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Related Words

• announcer