Informer vs. Spy

Informer vs. Spy — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Informer and Spy

Informernoun

One who informs someone else about something.

Spynoun

A person who secretly watches and examines the actions of other individuals or organizations and gathers information on them (usually to gain an advantage).

Informernoun

A person who tells authorities about improper or illegal activity.

Spyverb

(intransitive) To act as a spy.

During the Cold War, Russia and America would each spy on each other for recon.

Informernoun

One who informs, animates, or inspires.

Spyverb

(transitive) To spot; to catch sight of.

I think I can spy that hot guy coming over here.
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Informernoun

one who reveals confidential information in return for money

Spyverb

(intransitive) To search narrowly; to scrutinize.

Spyverb

(transitive) To explore; to see; to view; inspect and examine secretly, as a country.

Spynoun

(military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors

Spynoun

a secret watcher; someone who secretly watches other people;

my spies tell me that you had a good time last night

Spyverb

catch sight of

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Spyverb

watch, observe, or inquire secretly

Spyverb

secretly collect sensitive or classified information; engage in espionage;

spy for the Russians