Informer: meaning, definitions and examples

An informer is typically used to describe someone who secretly provides information, often to the authorities. It has a slightly negative connotation, as it implies betrayal or secrecy.

• The police caught the criminal thanks to an anonymous informer.
• He was labeled as an informer after he leaked company secrets.

A reporter is a person who investigates and reports news. This word is commonly used in the context of journalism and news media.

• The reporter covered the story of the local elections.
• She works as a reporter for a major news network.

A messenger is someone who carries and delivers messages. It is often used in contexts where the person’s role is primarily to relay information without involvement in the content.

• The king sent a messenger to deliver his orders to the troops.
• I hired a bike messenger to deliver the package quickly.

A source is someone or something that provides information. This term is broad and can be used in various contexts, from journalism to research.

• The journalist cited an anonymous source for the breaking news story.
• In academic writing, it is important to reference all your sources.

Often used in police or espionage contexts to describe someone who provides information covertly. It does not always carry a negative connotation, but can depend on the situation.

• The police relied on an informer within the gang to gather crucial intelligence.
• She acted as an informer for the government, supplying them with insider details.

Commonly used in legal or official settings to denote someone who supplies information, usually to law enforcement or investigative bodies. This word doesn’t usually imply disloyalty as much as providing relevant information.

• The detective worked closely with an informant who had access to crucial information.
• An anonymous informant tipped off the authorities about the illegal operations.

A colloquial term often used with a negative connotation, implying betrayal. Usually describes someone who informs on others, especially peers or colleagues, to authorities or someone in power.

• Nobody likes a snitch who betrays their friends for personal gain.
• He was labeled a snitch and ostracized by his former associates.

Refers to someone who exposes unethical, illegal, or harmful activities within an organization or institution. Often seen as a positive, brave action to protect public interest, though it can come with personal risks.

• The whistleblower's revelations led to a major corporate overhaul to address the misconduct.
• She became a whistleblower and revealed the company's environmental violations.