Informers: meaning, definitions and examples

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informers

[ ɪnˈfɔː.mərz ]

^{Context #1}

criminal activity

People who provide information to the police or authorities, often in exchange for money or leniency. Informers are typically involved in criminal organizations and may be considered traitors by their associates.

Synonyms

informants, rats, snitches

Examples of usage

He was caught by the informers and now faces a long prison sentence.
The informers within the gang helped the police dismantle the entire operation.

^{Context #2}

historical context

In former times, informers were individuals who reported on the activities of others to the authorities, often leading to severe consequences such as imprisonment or even death. Informers were commonly used in totalitarian regimes to maintain control and suppress dissent.

Synonyms

spies, tattletales, whistleblowers

Examples of usage

The informers in the Soviet Union played a crucial role in identifying dissidents.
The fear of being labeled an informer prevented many from speaking out against the government.

Translations

Translations of the word "informers" in other languages:

🇵🇹 informantes

🇮🇳 सूचना देने वाले

🇩🇪 Informanten

🇮🇩 informan

🇺🇦 інформатори

🇵🇱 informatorzy

🇯🇵 情報提供者

🇫🇷 informateurs

🇪🇸 informantes

🇹🇷 muhbirler

🇰🇷 정보 제공자

🇸🇦 مخبرون

🇨🇿 informátoři

🇸🇰 informátori

🇨🇳 告密者

🇸🇮 informatorji

🇮🇸 uppljóstrarar

🇰🇿 ақпарат берушілер

🇬🇪 ინფორმატორები

🇦🇿 məlumatçılar

🇲🇽 informantes

Word origin

The word 'informers' originated from the Latin word 'informare', which means 'to shape' or 'to form'. In the context of reporting to authorities, the term gained negative connotations due to its association with betrayal and espionage. Throughout history, informers have been both reviled and utilized by governments and criminal organizations for their ability to gather information and maintain control.