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tamper
1[ tam-per ]
/ ˈtæm pər /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
Definition of tamper
verb (used without object)
to meddle, especially for the purpose of altering, damaging, or misusing (usually followed by with): Someone has been tampering with the lock.
to make changes in something, especially in order to falsify (usually followed by with): to tamper with official records.
to engage secretly or improperly in something.
to engage in underhand or corrupt dealings, especially in order to influence improperly (usually followed by with): Any lawyer who tries to tamper with a jury should be disbarred.
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QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!
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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
Origin of tamper
1First recorded in 1560–70; probably variant of temper (verb)
OTHER WORDS FROM tamper
tam·per·er, nounun·tam·pered, adjectiveWords nearby tamper
tamoxifen, tamp, Tampa, Tampa Bay, tampala, tamper, Tampere, tampering, tamperproof, tamper-resistant, tamper with
Other definitions for tamper (2 of 2)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use tamper in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for tamper (1 of 2)
tamper1
/ (ˈtæmpə) /
verb (intr)
(usually foll by with) to interfere or meddle
to use corrupt practices such as bribery or blackmail
(usually foll by with) to attempt to influence or corrupt, esp by briberyto tamper with the jury
Derived forms of tamper
tamperer, nounWord Origin for tamper
C16: alteration of temper (verb)
British Dictionary definitions for tamper (2 of 2)
tamper2
/ (ˈtæmpə) /
noun
a person or thing that tamps, esp an instrument for packing down tobacco in a pipe
a casing around the core of a nuclear weapon to increase its efficiency by reflecting neutrons and delaying the expansion
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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