tampering

[tam-per-ing]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tampering¹

tamper ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

US prosecutors had recommended a life sentence for the Grammy Award winner after he was found guilty in April 2023 of corruption and other charges, including acting as an unregistered foreign agent and witness tampering.

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Michel was convicted in federal court in Washington, D.C., on all 10 counts he faced, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S., witness tampering and not registering his lobbying work on behalf of a foreign national.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Photos, screenshots, and voice recordings can all be uploaded and saved privately, protecting crucial evidence from deletion or tampering.

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The judge decreed there were “reasonable grounds to believe that such disclosure” to Mr. Cruz “will result in destruction of or tampering with evidence, intimidation of potential witnesses and serious jeopardy to the investigation.”

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There is plenty of material to work with: incidents of witness intimidation and jury tampering; pre-emptive settlement offers climbing to eight figures; and even the recent California wildfires, which disrupt the lives of all concerned.

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Related Words

• intrusive 
• meddling 
• nosy 
• pushy