inform

in-form · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To give someone facts or information; tell.

  2. 2.

    To give incriminating information about someone to the authorities.

  3. 3.

    (Formal) To give essential character or quality to something.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    inform someone of/about — tell someone about something
  • •
    inform on/against — report someone to authorities
  • •
    keep informed — continue to provide information

Related words

Antonyms: conceal, misinform, withhold
See also: informant, information, informed
Synonyms: advise, notify, tell

Etymology

From Latin informare ("to give form to, shape, describe"), from in- ("into") + forma ("form, shape"). The sense of "communicate knowledge" developed in the 14th century.