Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

dobber-in

noun
/ˈdɒb.ər.ɪn/
Definition
A dobber-in is a person who informs on someone or reports their misdeeds, often associated with anti-social behavior.
Examples
  • He was known as a dobber-in for always speaking to the teachers about his classmates.
  • In the neighborhood, being a dobber-in can lead to social exclusion.
  • Many view dobber-ins as untrustworthy because they may betray friends.
Meaning
The term generally refers to someone who divulges information to authorities about wrongdoings, sometimes with a negative connotation.
Synonyms
  • informer
  • tattletale
  • snitch
  • betrayer