Definition of informant

The word "informant" traces its roots back to the Latin word "informare," meaning "to give form" or "to shape." This evolved into the Middle English "enformen," which meant "to instruct" or "to give information." Over time, the "en-" prefix was dropped, leading to "inform" and subsequently "informant," which came to refer to a person who provides information, particularly to authorities. The word's origin highlights the core meaning of an informant: someone who shapes or provides information to another.