From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Inform \In*form"\, verb (used with an object) [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.
Let others better mold the running mass Of metals, and inform the breathing brass. --Dryden.
Breath informs this fleeting frame. --Prior.
Breathes in our soul, informs our mortal part. --Pope.
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.
For he would learn their business secretly, And then inform his master hastily. --Spenser.
I am informed thoroughly of the cause. --Shak.
3. To communicate a knowledge of facts to, by way of accusation; to warn against anybody.
Tertullus . . . informed the governor against Paul. --Acts xxiv. 1.
Syn: To acquaint; apprise; tell; teach; instruct; enlighten; animate; fashion.
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
noun
1: to furnish incriminating evidence to an officer of the law (usually in return for favors) [syn: {ratting}]
2: a speech act that conveys information [syn: {making known}]
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