Nark

A 'nark' is primarily a slang term, predominantly used in British English, referring to a person who informs on others, especially to the police or other authority figures. This act often involves betraying trust and revealing confidential information, frequently about illegal activities. The motivation behind 'narking' can vary, including seeking personal gain, avoiding punishment, or a sense of moral obligation. It's a derogatory term, implying disloyalty and untrustworthiness within the context of a group or community. The word carries connotations of deceit and the violation of an implicit code of silence or solidarity. Its usage frequently appears in narratives involving crime, law enforcement, and social undercurrents where loyalty is highly valued and betrayal is severely condemned. While primarily a noun, 'nark' can also occasionally be used as a verb (to 'nark on' someone).

Nark meaning with examples

• The gang considered him a total nark after he told the police about their planned robbery, leading to their arrests and the loss of his standing in the community, making him despised and ostracized.
• Detectives often rely on informants, sometimes referred to as **narks** by criminals, to gather intelligence and solve crimes, though these individuals face significant risks from retaliation.
• Despite being offered a lighter sentence, he refused to nark on his accomplices, adhering to the criminal code of silence, even in the face of his own dire circumstances.
• After being caught red-handed, he made a deal to become a nark, saving himself but ruining the careers and reputations of several prominent members of a criminal organization.
• Within the prison system, becoming a nark is one of the most dangerous positions you can take, as other inmates often punish those who cooperate with the authorities, violently or otherwise.