tamper

verb

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tam·per | \ ˈtam-pər

tampered; tampering\ ˈtam-p(ə-)riŋ

\; tampers

Definition of tamper

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1a : 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

2a : 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

tamper

noun

tamp·er | \ ˈtam-pər

plural tampers

Definition of tamper (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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

Other Words from tamper Example Sentences Phrases Containing tamper Learn More About tamper

Other Words from tamper

Verb

tamperer \ ˈtam-pər-ər

\ noun, plural tamperers

tamperproof \ ˈtam-pər-ˌprüf

\ adjective

Examples of tamper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Crude oil prices have taken a tumble this week, spurred by fears of a looming recession that could tamper demand. — Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 7 July 2022 That allows the malware to tamper with other library files loaded for an application. — Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 9 June 2022 In short, a kernel-level driver helps a game detect when players tamper with the operating system environment in a way that could give them an advantage. — Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 3 Mar. 2022 Federal prosecutors accuse Ravenell of crossing the line with one longtime client, a Baltimore marijuana kingpin, helping to launder money, tamper with witnesses and advise drug dealers how to stay ahead of law enforcement. — Tim Prudente, baltimoresun.com, 22 Dec. 2021 Additional allegations include weapons charges and an attempt to tamper with evidence, according to Emily Erossy, a spokeswoman from the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court. — Olivia Mitchell, cleveland, 25 Apr. 2022 This gave the hackers the ability to tamper with the satellite network. — Michael Kan, PCMAG, 30 Mar. 2022 Meanwhile, the third component is designed to tamper with equipment from Omron. — Michael Kan, PCMAG, 13 Apr. 2022 In both cases, the malware packages were designed to tamper with a computer’s Master Boot Record, which tells the hardware how to load the OS. — Michael Kan, PCMAG, 28 Feb. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tamper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.