Passive Source (Noun)
Meaning
An informant who is not assigned to obtain specific intelligence but who routinely passes on whatever information he or she has.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The whistleblower acted as a passive source, providing information to the journalist without being prompted or directed to do so.
- The janitor at the company turned out to be a valuable passive source, often overhearing sensitive conversations and sharing them with the investigator.
- The company's passive source within the government agency proved to be a crucial asset in uncovering a corruption scandal.
- After being befriended by an investigation officer, the quiet office clerk became an important passive source, sharing details about her coworkers' activities.
- During the war, local residents unknowingly became passive sources for military commanders by sharing stories about enemy troop movements with aid workers.