Undercover

Operating or done secretly to obtain information or to catch someone involved in illegal activity. This usually involves assuming a false identity and infiltrating a group or situation. The primary goal is to gather intelligence, expose wrongdoing, and ultimately bring perpetrators to justice. It emphasizes stealth and deception to achieve a specific objective.

Undercover meaning with examples

• The detective went undercover as a drug dealer to infiltrate the criminal organization. He spent months gaining their trust, gathering evidence of their illegal operations. His efforts led to the arrest of several key figures and the seizure of a large quantity of narcotics.
• To expose corruption within the city council, a journalist went undercover, posing as a lobbyist. They recorded conversations and gathered documents, revealing instances of bribery and abuse of power. The exposé triggered a major scandal and prompted investigations.
• Federal agents deployed undercover operatives to monitor a suspected terrorist cell. They collected information about their plans and activities, allowing authorities to disrupt a planned attack. The success of the operation prevented potential loss of life.
• The environmental group sent undercover investigators to document illegal logging in the rainforest. They captured footage of deforestation and animal cruelty, using the evidence to launch a public awareness campaign and pressure the government for stricter regulations.