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tampering

American  
[tam-per-ing] / ˈtæm pər ɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act or process of changing, damaging, or interfering with something, especially with intent to falsify, cheat, or defraud.

    Data transmitted over an SSL connection cannot be forged without the two parties becoming immediately aware of the tampering.

    In a clear case of tampering, players were caught using sandpaper to alter the ball.

  2. the act or process of dealing secretively, improperly, or underhandedly with someone.

    I had a duty to report the witness tampering to the judge.


Etymology

Origin of tampering

tamper 1 ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Stephen Cloobeck, a wealthy realtor and one-time Democratic candidate for governor of California, pleaded not guilty to witness tampering charges Friday.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 11, 2026

Faced with that evidence, Fraser pleaded no contest to the tampering charge and was sentenced to one year in the Baker County Jail.

From Slate Aug. 11, 2026

Cavallo’s response was that “when it comes to inflation data, any significant tampering would likely be easy to detect by outside researchers.”

From MarketWatch Aug. 1, 2026

But moments later, the MLS released a statement saying it was "reviewing a tampering allegation" against the club.

From BBC Jul. 22, 2026

Or she should not have cut at all, tampering with my speech.

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston

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