Main Entry:

tam·per

Pronunciation:

\ˈtam-pər\

Function:

intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

tam·pered; tam·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\

Etymology:

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

Date:

1567

1: to carry on underhand or improper negotiations (as by bribery)2 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>

— tam·per·er \-pər-ər\ noun

— tam·per·proof \ˈtam-pər-ˌprüf\ adjective