# informer

/ˌɪnˈfɔɹmɝ/ (US) · /ɪnfˈɔːmɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/informer
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a person who tells the police or the government about a crime or a secret. They usually do this to get a reward or to stay out of trouble themselves.

For teachers: a person who provides information to the police or a government agency, typically in exchange for a reward or protection. Often carries a negative connotation of betrayal or lack of loyalty.

## Examples

- The police are looking for an informer who leaked the secret.
- The witness was identified as an informer who had previously worked for the rival gang.
- The investigation into the corruption scandal revealed that an informer within the department had provided the evidence necessary to secure the convictions of several high-ranking officials.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.