Whistleblower: meaning, definitions and examples
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whistleblower
[ ˈwɪsəlˌbloʊər ]
legal protection
A person who informs the public or someone in authority about alleged dishonest or illegal activities occurring in a government department, private company, or organization.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The whistleblower was praised for exposing corruption within the company.
- The government enacted laws to protect whistleblowers from retaliation.
ethics
An individual who raises concerns about unethical practices or wrongdoing within an organization.
Synonyms
whistle-blower, whistle-blower
Examples of usage
- The whistleblower faced backlash for speaking out against the company's unethical behavior.
- Ethical guidelines encourage employees to report misconduct and act as whistleblowers.
politics
A person who exposes information or activities that are deemed to be illegal, unethical, or not in the public interest within a government or organization.
Synonyms
informant, whistle-blower
Examples of usage
- The whistleblower's testimony led to a government investigation into the misuse of funds.
- Whistleblowers play a crucial role in holding governments and corporations accountable.
Translations
Translations of the word "whistleblower" in other languages:
🇵🇹 denunciante
🇮🇳 सूचना देने वाला
🇩🇪 Whistleblower
🇮🇩 pelapor
🇺🇦 викривач
🇵🇱 sygnalista
🇯🇵 内部告発者 (ないぶこくはつしゃ)
🇫🇷 lanceur d'alerte
🇪🇸 informante
🇹🇷 ihbarcı
🇰🇷 내부 고발자 (naebu gobalja)
🇸🇦 مبلغ عن المخالفات (muballigh 'an al mukhalafat)
🇨🇿 whistleblower
🇸🇰 whistleblower
🇨🇳 举报人 (jǔbào rén)
🇸🇮 žvižgač
🇮🇸 uppljóstrari
🇰🇿 сыбырлаушы
🇬🇪 მაუწყებელი (mauckebeli)
🇦🇿 məlumatçı
🇲🇽 informante
Word origin
The term 'whistleblower' originated from the practice of British police officers using a whistle to alert others when they observed wrongdoing or illegal activities. Over time, it evolved to refer to individuals who expose misconduct within organizations or governments. Whistleblowers have played a significant role in uncovering corruption, fraud, and unethical behavior, often facing retaliation for their actions. The concept of protecting whistleblowers and providing legal safeguards for their disclosures has gained recognition globally as a means to promote transparency and accountability.
See also: whistling.