noun

informant

informant, informer, source

The police received a tip from an informant.

The police received a tip from an informant.

The linguist worked with a native informant.

The linguist worked with a native informant.

((...)) a person who gives secret information to sb. The police received a tip from an informant.

Synonyms: source, informer, mole, spy

From the verb 'inform' + the suffix '-ant', which denotes a person who performs an action. So, 'a person who informs'.

An inform*ant* is like an assist*ant* for information. They assist by providing information.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.