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.

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Etymology

Origin of tampering

tamper ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Tampering with that commitment, it warned, could cost lives.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 11, 2022

Tampering investigations concerning Lowry’s sign-and-trade deal to the Heat, along with the one that allowed Lonzo Ball to join the Chicago Bulls, are ongoing, N.B.A.

From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2021

Tampering with the truth-seeking functions of the law undermines our justice system and the foundations on which our freedoms lie.

From The Guardian • Apr. 20, 2019

Tampering with the switches would require a deep understanding of Washington, D.C.’s phone systems in order to identify which computers are handling the traffic for a particular set of calls.

From Slate • Oct. 25, 2018

In February 1991, more than a year after the raid on his home, Phiber Optik was finally arrested, and was charged with first-degree Computer Tampering and Computer Trespass, New York state offenses.

From The Hacker Crackdown, law and disorder on the electronic frontier by Sterling, Bruce

Related Words

• intrusive
• meddling
• nosy
• pushy