tamper

1 of 2

verb

tam·​per ˈtam-pər 

tampered; tampering ˈtam-p(ə-)riŋ  ; 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

ˈtam-pər-ər 

noun

plural tamperers

tamperproof

ˈtam-pər-ˌprüf 

adjective

tamper

2 of 2

noun

tamp·​er ˈtam-pər 

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

Synonyms

Verb

• diddle (with)
• fiddle (with)
• fool (with)
• mess (with)
• monkey (with)
• play (with)
• tinker (with)
• toy (with)
• twiddle (with)

Examples of tamper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Miami forfeited its first-round pick last year as part of punishment for tampering and held a league-low four picks because of multiple trades. —Daniel Oyefusi, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2024

She was also acquitted of a separate charge of evidence tampering. —Taylor Romine, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024

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

Phrases Containing tamper

• tamper with

Kids Definition

tamper

verb

tam·​per ˈtam-pər 

tampered; tampering -p(ə-)riŋ 

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