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. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tampering

On Aug. 18, the day after prosecutors officially filed their case in court, Paul Robinson, who faces charges of felony tampering and concealing evidence, made a plea on Facebook.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026

Contacted by AFP, Meta said it has taken multiple steps to prevent tampering with the blinking LED light intended to show other people the device is recording -- a key concern of critics.

From Barron's ● Sep. 12, 2026

In 2006, a Test between England and Pakistan at The Oval was abandoned after the visitors were accused of ball tampering.

From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026

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

We passed other boats and ships of small draught, but all avoided challenge for fear of tampering with privateers.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

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Related Words

• intrusive
• meddling
• nosy
• pushy

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