The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Inform \In*form"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Informed; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Informing.] [OE. enformen, OF. enformer, F. informer. L.
   informare; pref. in- in + formare to form, share, fr. forma
   form. See Form.]
   1. To give form or share to; to give vital or organizing
      power to; to give life to; to imbue and actuate with
      vitality; to animate; to mold; to figure; to fashion. "The
      informing Word."                            --Coleridge.
      [1913 Webster]

            Let others better mold the running mass
            Of metals, and inform the breathing brass. --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

            Breath informs this fleeting frame.   --Prior.
      [1913 Webster]

            Breathes in our soul, informs our mortal part.
                                                  --Pope.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To communicate knowledge to; to make known to; to
      acquaint; to advise; to instruct; to tell; to notify; to
      enlighten; -- usually followed by of.
      [1913 Webster]

            For he would learn their business secretly,
            And then inform his master hastily.   --Spenser.
      [1913 Webster]

            I am informed thoroughly of the cause. --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. To communicate a knowledge of facts to, by way of
      accusation; to warn against anybody.
      [1913 Webster]

            Tertullus . . . informed the governor against Paul.
                                                  --Acts xxiv.
                                                  1.

   Syn: To acquaint; apprise; tell; teach; instruct; enlighten;
        animate; fashion.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

informing
    n 1: to furnish incriminating evidence to an officer of the law
         (usually in return for favors) [syn: informing,
         ratting]
    2: a speech act that conveys information [syn: informing,
       making known]