Informant

/ɪnˈfɔːrmənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who provides information, typically to an authority or researcher.

The police relied on the informant to gather crucial details about the criminal activities in the neighborhood.

A person who informs on someone, often in the context of criminal or legal situations.

Feeling betrayed, he discovered that his trusted friend had become an informant against him.

A participant in a study who provides data to researchers.

The researcher thanked each informant for their valuable contributions to the study on consumer behavior.

From Latin 'informare' meaning 'to inform' or 'to shape'.

informed consent

A process in which a person agrees to a procedure after understanding all relevant facts.

informant's privilege

A legal doctrine protecting the identity of informants.

informant fee

Monetary compensation given to an informant for information.

inform

To give knowledge or information.

information

Data or facts provided or communicated.

informative

Providing useful or interesting information.

Snitch

He's just a snitch who can't keep secrets.

Rat

Don't be a rat; keep your mouth shut.