whistleblower

American  

[wis-uhl-bloh-er, hwis-] / ˈwɪs əlˌbloʊ ər, ˈʰwɪs- /

Sometimes whistle blower or whistle-blower

noun

1. a person who informs on another or makes public disclosure of corruption, wrongdoing, problems, or secret information, especially within an organization.

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Other Word Forms

• whistle-blowing noun
• whistleblowing noun

Etymology

Origin of whistleblower

First recorded in 1965–70; whistle ( def. ) + blower ( def. )

Example Sentences

Tipping reported the allegation to the department, which in effect made him a whistleblower and entitled him to certain protections, Gage argued.

From Los Angeles Times

The BBC's investigation featured testimony from whistleblowers who claimed the maternity units at Leeds General Infirmary and St James's Hospital were unsafe, despite being rated "good" by the Care Quality Commission watchdog at the time.

From BBC

Jurors are also expected to hear from former Meta employees who quit and became whistleblowers regarding the issue of social media addiction among children.

From BBC

Jessica Hahn interviewed a whistleblower who pointed to a potentially massive breach of the Social Security Administration’s personal data.

From MarketWatch

He also writes about the people involved in this work, from political appointees to career prosecutors and corporate whistleblowers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• informant
• informer