rat

/ræt/
verb
  1. To inform on or betray someone (informal).
    • The thief ratted to the police about where the stolen goods were hidden.
    • She would never rat out her teammates, even under pressure.
    • He ratted on his friends to avoid getting in trouble himself.
noun
  1. A medium-sized rodent with a long tail, often found in cities and known for gnawing and spreading disease.
    • The scientist used a lab rat to test the new medicine.
    • A rat scurried across the kitchen floor and hid behind the refrigerator.
    • Rats can squeeze through very small holes to get into buildings.
  2. A person who is disloyal, untrustworthy, or informs on others (informal).
    • Don't trust him — he's a rat who will betray you for his own gain.
    • The gang members suspected there was a rat in their group leaking information to the police.
    • He was called a rat after he told the teacher about the prank.
What does "rat" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean