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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.

The allegations of jury tampering surfaced several months after the trial as Hill promoted a now-retracted memoir.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Johnson, he added, gets blamed for tampering with Social Security, with many people erroneously believing the president dipped into the program’s coffers.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

It claimed the MSC Francesca was linked to Israel and accused both of “jeopardizing maritime security by operating without necessary permits and tampering with navigation systems.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Lahore Qalandars were penalised for ball tampering during their Pakistan Super League defeat by Karachi Kings.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

“Do you think she knows we did a little tampering with it?”

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool

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