double agent

noun

1. a person who spies on a country while pretending to spy for it.
2. a spy in the service of two rival countries, companies, etc.

double agent

noun

1. a spy employed by two mutually antagonistic countries, companies, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of double agent¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

He then contacted MI6 saying he wanted to be a double agent.

From BBC

The inquiry is in the process of hearing evidence about links between her death and the attempted murder of former Russian double agent Mr Skripal and his daughter in March 2018.

From BBC

He later created a fake email account and contacted MI6, claiming he wanted to work as a "double agent", the jury was previously told.

From BBC

He twice contacted MI6 through a form on the agency's website, disclosing the cash collection and stating: "I want to work as a double agent for the security service".

From BBC

A former British soldier accused of escaping from Wandsworth prison last year made contact with Iranian security forces before telling MI6 he wanted to work as a double agent, a trial has heard.

From BBC

Related Words

• undercover agent