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mole

mohl /moʊl/

nounC1GRE

neutralformal

A spy who has infiltrated an enemy organization and works from within.

A 'mole' is a specific type of deep-cover agent who has successfully infiltrated an organization and operates undetected for an extended period, often rising through the ranks. The term emphasizes their hidden, burrowing nature, like the animal.

The story behind the word. The word 'mole' as a spy comes from the animal 'mole,' which has been in English since Old English ('mol'). The connection is purely metaphorical: just as the small, burrowing animal lives and works underground, unseen, a 'mole' in intelligence burrows deep into an organization, operating secretly from within. This specific usage became popular in the mid-20th century, notably popularized by spy novelist John le Carré.

Word relationships

spy: General term for someone who secretly gathers information.
infiltrator: Someone who enters secretly, but 'mole' implies deeper, longer-term embedding.
traitor: Someone who betrays their country, but 'mole' specifically refers to the method of betrayal through infiltration.

loyalist: A person who remains loyal to the established ruler or government.
patriot: A person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.

Collocations

uncover a mole
hunt for a mole
deep-cover mole
double agent mole
mole hunt

Example sentences

"The counterintelligence unit launched an extensive investigation to uncover the mole believed to be operating within their top-secret division." The agency discovered a mole who had been leaking secrets for years.
"The discovery of a mole in the highest echelons of government sent shockwaves through the intelligence community." John le Carré's novels often feature a mole as a central character.
"The company feared a corporate mole was providing sensitive data to their competitors." They suspected there was a mole in their research department.

Memory hook

Think of the animal 'mole' that burrows underground, unseen. A spy 'mole' burrows deep into an organization, unseen. Burrowing, unseen spy.

When not to use

Do not use 'mole' for a casual informant or a newly recruited agent. It implies deep, long-term infiltration and betrayal from within.

Fun facts

The term 'mole' was famously popularized by John le Carré in his spy novels, particularly 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,' making it a household term for a deep-cover agent.

Related words

infiltrate, counterintelligence

Explore more words

subversion, subvert, subterfuge, surveillance, quisling, carrier