dossier

Papers on someone

A dossier is a collection of documents about a particular person, subject, or case.

The word suggests thoroughness—intelligence agencies compile dossiers on persons of interest, lawyers assemble dossiers of evidence, journalists build dossiers on investigative subjects.

The FBI maintained a dossier on the civil rights leader.

A dossier implies organized information gathered over time, often with an element of surveillance or scrutiny.

compilation

file

Stored collection of data

folderContainer for loose papers
documentsFormal written records
portfolioCollected works or assets

binder · compendium · briefing · papers · records · casefile · packet · bundle · archive · collection

intelligence

surveillance

Systematic observation of subjects

espionageCovert intelligence gathering
reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
classifiedRestricted from disclosure

covert · confidential · secret · redacted · clearance · operative · agent · informant · debriefing · intercept

bureaucratic

official

Authority-sanctioned person or status

governmentAuthority over a state
administrativeRelated to organization management
agencyPower to act

department · ministry · filing · paperwork · stamp · authorized · report · memo · correspondence · request

investigation

detective

Professional crime investigator

inquiryRequest for information
probeThorough examination or tool
forensicsScientific crime-scene analysis

evidence · case · suspect · background check · due diligence · vetting · allegation · witness · testimony · findings

profile

biography

Written life account

backgroundOne's formative experiences
historyRecord of past events
credentialsEvidence of qualification or identity

resume · curriculum vitae · personnel file · character · assessment · evaluation · psychological · behavioral · subject · target

dossier

file

surveillance

official

detective

biography

dossier

Opposites

Categories

Family