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 Learn More About tamper

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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 Instead, Ford took a plea deal, admitting to carrying a pistol without a license and attempting to tamper with evidence. — Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2021 The contact sensors were just as responsive as Ring’s and were even harder to tamper with as Ring’s battery covers can slide off with ease. — Paige Szmodis, Popular Mechanics, 31 Aug. 2021 Steven Brandenburg, 46, pleaded guilty in February to two felony counts of attempting to tamper with a consumer product. — CBS News, 8 June 2021 Despite concerns that Trump administration officials would tamper with its findings, the report was widely praised as accurately portraying the threat posed by climate change. — Matthew Daly, Star Tribune, 4 May 2021 That included a fantastical theory that people in Italy had used military technology and satellites to remotely tamper with U.S. voting machines and switch votes for Trump to votes for Joe Biden. — BostonGlobe.com, 5 June 2021 That included a fantastical theory that people in Italy had used military technology and satellites to remotely tamper with voting machines in the United States and switch votes for Mr. Trump to votes for Joseph R. Biden Jr. — New York Times, 5 June 2021 Or the widespread ballot harvesting that occurred, which opens the door for activists on both sides of the aisle to tamper with or throw out someone’s ballot. — Rick Graber, National Review, 12 Aug. 2021 The two also agreed that Mr. Phyo Hein Htut would hire people to tamper with the tires of the ambassador’s car to cause a crash while driving, according to the documents. — New York Times, 6 Aug. 2021

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.