tamper

¹

[tam-per]

verb (used without object)

1. to meddle, especially for the purpose of altering, damaging, or misusing (usually followed bywith ).

   Someone has been tampering with the lock.

   Synonyms: interfere

2. to make changes in something, especially in order to falsify (usually followed bywith ).

   to tamper with official records.

3. to engage secretly or improperly in something.

4. to engage in underhand or corrupt dealings, especially in order to influence improperly (usually followed bywith ).

   Any lawyer who tries to tamper with a jury should be disbarred.

tamper

²

[tam-per]

noun

1. a person or thing that tamps.

tamper

¹

/ ˈtæmpə /

verb

1. (usually foll by with) to interfere or meddle

2. to use corrupt practices such as bribery or blackmail

3. (usually foll by with) to attempt to influence or corrupt, esp by bribery

   to tamper with the jury

tamper

²

/ ˈtæmpə /

noun

1. a person or thing that tamps, esp an instrument for packing down tobacco in a pipe

2. a casing around the core of a nuclear weapon to increase its efficiency by reflecting neutrons and delaying the expansion

Other Word Forms

• tamperer noun
• untampered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tamper¹

First recorded in 1560–70; probably variant of temper (verb)

Origin of tamper²

tamp + -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of tamper¹

C16: alteration of _temper (verb)

Example Sentences

The new passports will also feature updated security features, the Home Office said, including the latest anti-forgery technology - making them "harder to forge or tamper with".

Read more on BBC

Casinos look for card marking and tampering through security footage, deck changes and table inspections.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In his plea agreement, he admitted the Mexican Mafia engaged in murder, kidnapping, extortion, robbery and witness tampering to “promote a climate of fear” within the jails.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

However, the Constitutional Court later annulled the election, saying there had been widespread tampering, including the use of Tipp-Ex correction fluid on results sheets.

Read more on BBC

He is also facing two counts of witness tampering after he allegedly instructed his roommate to delete incriminating texts, and asking them not to talk to investigators if they were questioned by authorities.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• meddle 
• monkey with www.thesaurus.com
• tinker