whistleblows
Reveals hidden misconduct
Whistleblows is the third-person singular form of the verb whistleblow, meaning to expose wrongdoing, fraud, or illegal activity within an organization, typically by an insider who reports to authorities or the public.
The term evokes the image of a referee blowing a whistle to stop play when rules are broken.
Someone who whistleblows risks retaliation but may be protected by law: She whistleblows on safety violations at the plant.
Act of revealing information
- leakEscape through a breach
- revealMake something visible
- reportFormal written findings
- uncoverReveal what's hidden
expose · inform · tip-off · testimony · evidence · documentation · allegation · complaint
State of being see-through
- oversightSupervision or inadvertent omission
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
- reformImprove by correcting faults
- complianceAdhering to requirements
governance · regulation · watchdog · inspector · auditor · ethics · standards · sunshine
Boldness before danger
- valorCourage in danger
- conscienceInternal moral sense
- convictionFirmly held belief
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
resolve · determination · fortitude · boldness · audacity · defiance · dissent · truth-telling
Protected from harm
- asylumShelter from persecution
- anonymityUnknown identity state
- confidentialityQuality of protecting secrets
- safeguardPrecaution against harm
shield · legislation · statute · ombudsman · advocacy · rights · witness · sanctuary
Strong negative reaction
- blacklistingFormally marking for rejection
- firingTerminating employment
- demotionReduction in status
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
intimidation · ostracism · silencing · persecution · consequences · repercussions · penalty · punishment
disclosure
Act of revealing information
uncover · expose · inform · tip-off · testimony · evidence · documentation · allegation · complaint · hotline
transparency
State of being see-through
- oversightSupervision or inadvertent omission
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
- reformImprove by correcting faults
compliance · governance · regulation · watchdog · inspector · auditor · ethics · standards · sunshine · disclosure
bravery
Boldness before danger
- valorCourage in danger
- conscienceInternal moral sense
- convictionFirmly held belief
integrity · resolve · determination · fortitude · boldness · audacity · defiance · dissent · truth-telling · principled
immunity
Protected from harm
- asylumShelter from persecution
- anonymityUnknown identity state
- confidentialityQuality of protecting secrets
safeguard · shield · legislation · statute · ombudsman · advocacy · rights · witness · sanctuary · refuge
backlash
Strong negative reaction
- blacklistingFormally marking for rejection
- firingTerminating employment
- demotionReduction in status
harassment · intimidation · ostracism · silencing · persecution · consequences · repercussions · penalty · punishment · termination
whistleblowsenables
Makes something possible
goes along · plays along · protects · complies · shields
- whistleblowing policiesRules protecting misconduct reporters
- whistleblower protectionLaws shielding those who report misconduct
- whistleblower lawsRules protecting those reporting misconduct
- whistleblower retaliationPunishing those who report misconduct