tampering
Americannoun
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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.
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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
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.
Windfalls for some Polymarket traders raised suspicions of tampering.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
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
OpenClaw agents, while popular, pose risks like tampering with files or revealing sensitive user data, according to CrowdStrike CTO Elia Zaitsev.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026
Hours before the legal tampering period started, the Miami Dolphins announced they will release longtime quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026
Or did Father not understand everything his tampering might lead to?
From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.