tampered; tampering
ˈtam-p(ə-)riŋ 
; tampers
; tampers
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
Franklin Foer
plural tampers
: a tool for tamping : tamp entry 2
Using a tamper, tamp the coffee down into the filter …—Lexa Roséan
Lexa RoséanAfter 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
Lis HarrisSynonyms
Examples of tamper in a Sentence
Verb
someone has tampered with my computer files
Recent Examples on the Web
Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 31 Oct. 2024
The boxes are made of heavy-duty steel and permanently bolted into the ground — meaning they are designed to withstand weather elements and any tampering or stealing attempts.
—D.l. Davis, Journal Sentinel, 25 Oct. 2024
Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2024
When not in use, the tamper can be conveniently stored on the left side of the machine.
—Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 13 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tamper 
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
Using encryption and digital signing for data, cryptographic modules that meet the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) and creating encrypted USB flash drives programmed for that specific election all prevent tampering by unauthorized agents, according to ES&S.
—Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 31 Oct. 2024
The boxes are made of heavy-duty steel and permanently bolted into the ground — meaning they are designed to withstand weather elements and any tampering or stealing attempts.
—D.l. Davis, Journal Sentinel, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
Most ballot drop boxes are tamper proof, bolted to the ground, under 24-hour surveillance, and include fire suppression systems.
—Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2024
When not in use, the tamper can be conveniently stored on the left side of the machine.
—Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 13 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tamper
Dictionary Entries Near tamper
Cite this Entry
“Tamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tamper. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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