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

The images, recorded at 1:47 a.m. on Feb. 1, show someone wearing a balaclava, gloves and a backpack tampering with the Nest camera at Guthrie’s front door.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

Earlier Tuesday the FBI released images showing a person in a full-face balaclava apparently tampering with a front-door camera outside Nancy Guthrie's home in the southwestern city of Tucson, Arizona.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Skinsuit tampering is a legitimate issue—it’s why the suits are inspected pre-competition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

While it later transpired the athletes themselves were not aware of the tampering, FIS said their team had "tried to cheat the system" by putting reinforced thread in their jumpsuits.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

“And bilharzia spread, and water weeds came—when they started messing with the river! There’s always a price for tampering with nature.”

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

Related Words

• intrusive
• meddling
• nosy
• pushy