Informant
/ɪnˈfɔːrmənt/
Definitions
A person who provides secret information, especially to the police or a news organization.
/ɪnˈfɔːrmənt/
A person who provides information, especially to the police or other authorities.
The police questioned their informant closely.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game of hide-and-seek, and someone tells you where everyone is hiding. An informant is like that person, secretly sharing information that others don't know.
👶 For kids: A person who tells secrets, like if someone tells the police who did something bad.
More Examples
The journalist's sources included several reliable informants.
The defense attorney argued the informant's testimony was unreliable.
How It's Used
"The detective relied on an informant to gather evidence against the suspected criminal."
"A confidential informant provided the journalist with classified documents."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From French *informant*, present participle of *informer* (to inform).
The word 'informant' has been used since the late 16th century, initially to refer to anyone who gives information but later specifically to those who provide information to authorities.
Memory tip
Think of someone who's IN-FORM-ing, giving you information.
Word Origin
"One who informs; related to 'to inform.'"