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 French meteorology agency has filed a police complaint over suspected tampering with its data-processing system after a Polymarket bettor won big on an unusual temperature reading.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Traders have periodically alleged attempts to rig the outcome of Polymarket’s betting contracts by tampering with the sources used to determine answers to the yes-or-no questions that its users bet on.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 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

Cybersecurity concerns exist regarding AI agent platforms like OpenClaw, with agents potentially tampering with or deleting valuable files.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

His personal leisure is aimed away from idle amusement or detached tampering with nature’s processes.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

• intrusive
• meddling
• nosy
• pushy