Meaning
告密 means to secretly report someone's wrongdoings or private information to authorities or others in power. It carries a negative connotation, implying betrayal or disloyalty, and is often used to describe informing on someone to get them in trouble.
Usage
This word has a distinctly negative tone and implies betrayal of trust. It's commonly used in contexts involving secrets, conspiracies, or when someone reports others to authorities. Native speakers often use it when discussing historical political contexts, workplace betrayals, or situations where someone breaks group loyalty.
Examples
- 01有人向老板告密说我们在计划罢工。.Someone informed the boss that we were planning a strike.
- 02他因为害怕被惩罚而向老师告密了。.He informed on us to the teacher because he was afraid of being punished.
Characters
Common collocations
- 告密者informer, snitch
- 向...告密...to inform on someone to...
- 告密行为act of informing
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 告 (to tell/inform) with 密 (secret), literally meaning 'to tell secrets,' emphasizing the act of revealing confidential or private information to authorities.