informant

in-for-mant · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person who gives information to another, especially to the police or authorities.

  2. 2.

    (Linguistics/Anthropology) A native speaker who provides data about their language or culture to a researcher.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    confidential informant — a secret source for law enforcement

Related words

See also: inform, informer, source
Synonyms: source, tipster, witness

Etymology

From Latin informans, present participle of informare ("to inform"). The noun form developed in English to denote one who provides information.