whistle–blower

noun whis·tle–blow·er \-ˌblō-ər\

: a person who tells police, reporters, etc., about something (such as a crime) that has been kept secret

Full Definition of WHISTLE-BLOWER

: one who reveals something covert or who informs against another <pledges to protect whistle–blowers who fear reprisals — Wall Street Journal>

— whis·tle–blow·ing \-ˌblō-iŋ\ noun

See whistle–blower defined for English-language learners

1970

Synonyms: betrayer, canary [slang], deep throat, fink, informant, nark [British], rat, rat fink, snitch, snitcher, squealer, stoolie, stool pigeon, talebearer, tattler, tattletale, telltale, whistle-blower

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