Meaning & Definition of word "Tamper"

Tamper

/ˈtæmpər/

verb:

  • 1. To interfere with or alter something, usually in a harmful or unauthorized manner.
    • Example: The security team discovered that someone had tried to tamper with the evidence.
  • 2. To make secret or unauthorized changes to something.
    • Example: She was accused of tampering with the application's source code.
  • 3. To meddle in a way that causes damage or harm.
    • Example: It is illegal to tamper with election ballots.
  • 4. To handle or manage something in a careless or haphazard way.
    • Example: Please don't tamper with the machinery; it can be dangerous.

Etymology

Early 19th century: from the verb tamper, possibly derived from the obsolete noun ‘tamper’ meaning ‘to handle or deal with’.

Common Phrases and Expressions

tamper with:

To interfere with or make unauthorized changes.

tamper-proof:

Designed to be incapable of being tampered with.

don't tamper:

A warning not to interfere with something.

Related Words

interfere:

To involve oneself in a situation where one is not wanted or has no right.

meddle:

To involve oneself in a matter without invitation or necessity.

alter:

To change or modify something.

Slang Meanings of tamper

Meaning: To mess around with something.

Example Sentence: He was just tampering with the electronics for fun.

Meaning: To cheat or manipulate results.

Example Sentence: They accused him of tampering with the game scores.