VocabDictionary

collaborator

/kəˈlæb.ə.reɪ.tər/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A person who works jointly on an activity or project, especially in an artistic, academic, or scientific field.

Example Sentences:
  • The singer and her long-time collaborator wrote three new hit songs together.
  • Scientific breakthroughs often rely on international teams of researchers and collaborators.
2.noun

A person who cooperates traitorously with an enemy nation, especially with an occupying force.

Example Sentences:
  • During the occupation, suspected collaborators were heavily monitored by the resistance.
  • Historical archives reveal new details about local collaborators during the war.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “collaborator”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Late Latin 'collaboratus', past participle of 'collaborare' (to labor together), from 'com-' (together) + 'laborare' (to work, from 'labor' meaning toil or effort). The political sense of cooperating traitorously with an enemy nation emerged during World War II, specifically in reference to the Vichy regime in France.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of someone who 'labors' side-by-side with you to co-'labor' (collaborator).

Frequently Asked Questions About “collaborator

1. What is the meaning of “collaborator” in English?

In English, collaborator (noun) is defined as: “A person who works jointly on an activity or project, especially in an artistic, academic, or scientific field.”.

2. How do you use “collaborator” in a sentence?

The singer and her long-time collaborator wrote three new hit songs together.

3. What are English synonyms of “collaborator”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “collaborator”?

Derived from the Late Latin 'collaboratus', past participle of 'collaborare' (to labor together), from 'com-' (together) + 'laborare' (to work, from 'labor' meaning toil or effort). The political sense of cooperating traitorously with an enemy nation emerged during World War II, specifically in reference to the Vichy regime in France.