tamper

1 of 2

verb

tam·​per ˈtam-pər How to pronounce tamper (audio)
tampered; tampering ˈtam-p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce tamper (audio) ; tampers

intransitive verb

1
a
: to interfere so as to weaken or change for the worse
used with with
did not want to tamper with tradition
b
: to try foolish or dangerous experiments
used with with
c
: to render something harmful or dangerous by altering its structure or composition
was charged with tampering with consumer products
2
a
: to carry on underhand or improper negotiations (as by bribery)
b
: to inflict physical harm, threats, intimidation, or corrupt persuasion with the goal of influencing or preventing a witness's testimony : to engage in witness tampering
used with with
These alleged efforts were the basis for Mueller's accusation that Manafort was tampering with a witness, attempting to coach testimony, which would have violated the terms of his bail.Franklin Foer
tamperer noun
plural tamperers
tamperproof adjective

tamper

2 of 2

noun

tamp·​er ˈtam-pər How to pronounce tamper (audio)
plural tampers
: a tool for tamping : tamp entry 2
Using a tamper, tamp the coffee down into the filter …Lexa Roséan
After each truckload of earth fell onto the cobblestones of the Piazza's perimeter, a steamroller flattened it, and five relaxed-looking workmen … patted it smooth with shovels and wooden tampers, and hosed it down.Lis Harris

Examples of tamper in a Sentence

Verb someone has tampered with my computer files
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
In it, Erin is accused of jury tampering, complicating Danny and Maria’s homicide case. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2024 McDonnell helped implement the federal consent decree that arose largely out of the Rampart corruption scandal, in which dozens of officers were accused of serious misconduct, including perjury and evidence tampering. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2024
Noun
When not in use, the tamper can be conveniently stored on the left side of the machine. Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 13 Sep. 2024 There are three temperature settings to choose from, and also a tamper. Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tamper 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tamper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably from Middle French temprer to temper, mix, meddle — more at temper entry 2

First Known Use

Verb

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tamper was in 1567

Dictionary Entries Near tamper

Cite this Entry

“Tamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tamper. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

tamper

verb
tam·​per ˈtam-pər How to pronounce tamper (audio)
tampered; tampering -p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce tamper (audio)
1
: to interfere in a secret or wrongful way
2
a
: to interfere so as to cause a weakening or change for the worse
b
: to try foolish or dangerous experiments

Legal Definition

tamper

intransitive verb
tam·​per
1
: to bring improper influence to bear (as by bribery or intimidation)
used with with
tampered with the jurors
2
: to alter or interfere in an unauthorized or improper manner
used with with
tampered with evidence

More from Merriam-Webster on tamper

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