informing

informing
    n 1: to furnish incriminating evidence to an officer of the law
         (usually in return for favors) [syn: {informing},
         {ratting}]
    2: a speech act that conveys information [syn: {informing},
       {making known}]
    

Inform \In*form"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Informed}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Informing}.] [OE. enformen, OF. enformer, F. informer. L.
   informare; pref. in- in + formare to form, share, fr. forma
   form. See {Form}.]
   1. To give form or share to; to give vital or organizing
      power to; to give life to; to imbue and actuate with
      vitality; to animate; to mold; to figure; to fashion. "The
      informing Word."                            --Coleridge.
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            Let others better mold the running mass
            Of metals, and inform the breathing brass. --Dryden.
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            Breath informs this fleeting frame.   --Prior.
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            Breathes in our soul, informs our mortal part.
                                                  --Pope.
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   2. To communicate knowledge to; to make known to; to
      acquaint; to advise; to instruct; to tell; to notify; to
      enlighten; -- usually followed by of.
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            For he would learn their business secretly,
            And then inform his master hastily.   --Spenser.
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            I am informed thoroughly of the cause. --Shak.
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   3. To communicate a knowledge of facts to, by way of
      accusation; to warn against anybody.
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            Tertullus . . . informed the governor against Paul.
                                                  --Acts xxiv.
                                                  1.

   Syn: To acquaint; apprise; tell; teach; instruct; enlighten;
        animate; fashion.
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