Snitch - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT snitch /snɪtʃ/ /snɪtʃ/ IPA guide

Other forms: snitched; snitching; snitches

To snitch is to tattle on someone, and a snitch is someone who tattles. If you snitch on your brother when he "borrows" five dollars without asking, he might call you a snitch — but, on the bright side, he'll probably have to pay you back.

The oldest meaning of the informal snitch is "to betray" or, as a noun, "informer." This probably stems from 18th-century underworld slang, in which snitch meant "nose" — perhaps because a snitch is really nosy. A newer definition of snitch, "to steal," is thought to be a variation on snatch, and it first appeared around the turn of the 20th century. In the Harry Potter books, a snitch is a winged, golden ball used in the game of Quidditch.

Definitions of snitch

verb give away information about somebody synonyms: betray, denounce, give away, grass, rat, shop, stag, tell on see moresee less types: sell out give information that compromises others type of: inform impart knowledge of some fact, state or affairs, or event to
noun someone acting as an informer or decoy for the police synonyms: canary, fink, sneak, sneaker, snitcher, stool pigeon, stoolie, stoolpigeon see moresee less type of: betrayer, blabber, informer, rat, squealer one who reveals confidential information in return for money
verb take by theft “Someone snitched my wallet!” synonyms: cop, glom, hook, knock off, thieve see moresee less type of: steal take without the owner's consent

Pronunciation US /snɪtʃ/ UK /snɪtʃ/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘snitch'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

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