confidential informant
nounUK /ˌkɒnfɪˈdenʃəl ɪnˈfɔːmənt/
US /ˌkɑːnfɪˈdenʃəl ɪnˈfɔːrmənt/
A person who secretly tells the police useful information.
The police caught the robber after a confidential informant told them where he was hiding.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Someone who gives information to authorities in exchange for protection or leniency.
The confidential informant was given a reduced sentence for helping the case.
3. A secret contact used by journalists or investigators.
The reporter protected her confidential informant by never revealing his name.
4. A person who reports wrongdoing inside an organization.
A confidential informant inside the company exposed the illegal payments.