OpenSynonym

nark

/nɑrk/

NOUN

1. Police informer or spy

A person who secretly provides information about others to the police or authorities, especially by reporting illegal activities or betraying someone's confidence.

1.1. Informing and reporting to authorities

Used as informal slang, particularly in British English, for someone who secretly reports another person's activities or provides information to law enforcement.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The informant decided to nark on the illegal activities happening in the neighborhood.
  • He warned his friend not to nark on their plans to surprise the group.
  • The witness refused to nark on the suspect, fearing retaliation.

Related Words

  • confidential informant
  • undercover agent
  • police investigation
  • surveillance
  • betrayal
  • espionage
  • intelligence gathering

NOUN

2. Narcotics squad police officer

A police officer or law enforcement agent who investigates illegal drug activities, drug trafficking, and narcotics-related offenses.

2.1. Drug enforcement and narcotics investigations

Used informally to refer to a police officer working in a narcotics unit or investigating illegal drug distribution and related criminal activities.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The detective relied on the help of a trustworthy nark to gather information on the criminal gang.

Related Words

  • narcotics
  • drug enforcement
  • drug trafficking
  • law enforcement
  • undercover operation
  • criminal investigation

NOUN

3. Unpleasant or troublesome person

A person who annoys others, creates difficulties, or interferes with their activities and enjoyment.

3.1. Annoying and disruptive individuals

Used informally, especially in British English, to describe someone whose behavior irritates others, causes trouble, or makes situations unnecessarily difficult.

Synonyms

  • troublemaker
  • nuisance
  • pest
  • killjoy
  • spoilsport

Examples

  • The teacher encouraged students to speak up about bullying but not to nark for trivial reasons.

Related Words

  • annoyance
  • irritation
  • interference
  • disruption
  • trouble
  • frustration

VERB

4. Watching or observing

To watch, observe, or keep track of someone or something, particularly for the purpose of monitoring activities.

4.1. Observation and surveillance

Used informally to describe watching someone or monitoring their activities, especially in situations involving investigation or surveillance.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The undercover officer nar ked the suspects throughout the investigation.

Related Words

  • surveillance
  • observation
  • monitoring
  • tracking
  • espionage
  • investigation

VERB

5. Acting as a spy or informer

To secretly provide information about another person or group to authorities, often by revealing confidential information or reporting their activities.

5.1. Secretly reporting or betraying others

Used informally to describe informing on someone, revealing their secrets, or cooperating with authorities against people with whom one is associated.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The informant decided to nark on the illegal activities happening in the neighborhood.
  • He warned his friend not to nark on their plans to surprise the group.
  • The witness refused to nark on the suspect, fearing retaliation.

Related Words

  • informant
  • snitching
  • betrayal
  • confidential information
  • undercover work
  • police investigation

VERB

6. Annoying or irritating someone

To cause someone to feel annoyed, irritated, frustrated, or uncomfortable through an action or behavior.

6.1. Causing annoyance and frustration

Used informally to describe behavior or circumstances that irritate, bother, provoke, or upset another person.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • His constant interruptions nark everyone in the meeting.

Related Words

  • annoyance
  • irritation
  • aggravation
  • frustration
  • resentment
  • hostility
  • discomfort

VERB

7. Complaining or expressing dissatisfaction

To express dissatisfaction, annoyance, or objections about something, often by repeatedly voicing complaints.

7.1. Complaining and grumbling

Used informally to describe expressing dissatisfaction or repeatedly complaining about an unpleasant situation or someone's behavior.

Synonyms

Examples

  • He narks about every minor inconvenience during the trip.

Related Words