informer

The word "informer" refers to a person who secretly gives information to someone in a position of power, usually about crime, wrongdoing, or political activity. It is more than simply telling on someone once. The word often suggests secrecy and, in many cases, a continuing connection with the authorities.

Historically, the term has been used in legal and political settings. In different times and places, such people were used to enforce laws, expose plots, or report dissent. During war or social unrest, they could be seen as useful by those in power but dangerous or shameful by the communities around them. In that sense, the word often carries tension, fear, and distrust.

Today, "informer" is often linked to criminal investigations. Police may use informers to learn what is happening inside a group, gather evidence, or build a case. A related term is "confidential informant," though that phrase is more formal. People also use more informal and more negative words, such as "snitch."

The word usually carries a strong negative weight, suggesting betrayal, secrecy, or disloyalty. Still, the meaning depends on the point of view: one person may see such a person as helping justice, while another may see the same act as betrayal. So while giving information can sound neutral, calling someone an "informer" usually adds the idea of secret cooperation with authority.