tamper
1
[ tam-per ]
/ ˈtæm pər /
verb (used without object)
to meddle, especially for the purpose of altering, damaging, or misusing (usually followed by with): Someone has been tampering with the lock.
to make changes in something, especially in order to falsify (usually followed by with): to tamper with official records.
to engage secretly or improperly in something.
to engage in underhand or corrupt dealings, especially in order to influence improperly (usually followed by with): Any lawyer who tries to tamper with a jury should be disbarred.
Origin of tamper
1
1560–70; probably variant of
temper (v.)
OTHER WORDS FROM tamper
tam·per·er, noun un·tam·pered, adjectiveWords nearby tamper
tamoxifen,
tamp,
tampa,
tampa bay,
tampala,
tamper,
tamper with,
tamper-resistant,
tampere,
tamperproof,
tampico
British Dictionary definitions for tamper with (1 of 2)
tamper
1
/ (ˈtæmpə) /
verb (intr)
(usually foll by with)
to interfere or meddle
to use corrupt practices such as bribery or blackmail
(usually foll by with)
to attempt to influence or corrupt, esp by bribery
to tamper with the jury
Derived forms of tamper
tamperer, nounWord Origin for tamper
C16: alteration of
temper (verb)
British Dictionary definitions for tamper with (2 of 2)
tamper
2
/ (ˈtæmpə) /
noun
a person or thing that tamps, esp an instrument for packing down tobacco in a pipe
a casing around the core of a nuclear weapon to increase its efficiency by reflecting neutrons and delaying the expansion
Idioms and Phrases with tamper with
tamper with
Interfere or meddle, especially in a harmful way. For example, If you tamper with that lock it's sure to break. [c. 1600]
Engage in improper or secret dealings, as in He was accused of tampering with the jury. [c. 1600]