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

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

From BBC • Mar. 29, 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

Even the notion that the bitcoin network is secure from tampering is being challenged, as some investors have warned that the rise of quantum computing could threaten the network’s cryptographic security.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 5, 2026

Moreover, the KGB regularly checked the manholes for tampering.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

Related Words

• intrusive
• meddling
• nosy
• pushy