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informant
noun
in·for·mant
in-ˈfȯr-mənt
: a person who gives information: such as
a
: informer
b
: one who supplies cultural or linguistic data in response to interrogation by an investigator
Synonyms
Examples of informant in a Sentence
The police were alerted to the plot by a paid informant.
We learned the language with the help of a native informant.
Recent Examples on the Web
This information was passed off to the DEA from an informant working for the airline who was being paid whenever agents seized cash based on their tips.
—Andrew Wimer, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
But just as Tomás acclimates to his new life, he is asked by his former boss (and then threatened by state police forces) to essentially become an informant.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024
Campbell asks Carlos if the informant told him anything and Carlos lies.
—Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 2 Dec. 2024
The courts made that decision because the defense failed to lay a foundation for the admission of the evidence during cross-examination of the informant, according to court documents.
—Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for informant
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Word History
First Known Use
1641, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to informant
Dictionary Entries Near informant
Cite this Entry
“Informant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informant. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
informant
noun
in·for·mant
in-ˈfȯr-mənt
: informer
Legal Definition
informant
noun
in·for·mant
in-ˈfȯr-mənt
: one who informs against another
specifically
: one who makes a practice especially for money of informing police of others' criminal activities
More from Merriam-Webster on informant
Nglish: Translation of informant for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of informant for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about informant
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