tamper
verb
tam·per
| \ ˈtam-pər
\
\
tampered;
tampering\ ˈtam-p(ə-)riŋ
\
\
Definition of tamper
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
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Other Words from tamper
tamperer
\ ˈtam-pər-ər
\
noun
\
noun
tamperproof
\ ˈtam-pər-ˌprüf
\
adjective
\
adjective
Examples of tamper in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Mark Luis, 36, of South Elgin, was found guilty Wednesday on a misdemeanor count of computer tampering for sending himself erotic images that the female patient had taken of herself. — Clifford Ward, chicagotribune.com, "Former nurse accused of transmitting sexual images from patient’s phone to his own is found guilty of misdemeanor, but felony charges are dismissed," 30 Aug. 2019 Meggie faces two manslaughter charges and two tampering charges. — Rafael Olmeda, sun-sentinel.com, "More people could be charged in Hollywood nursing home deaths, police say," 27 Aug. 2019 Court filings reveal Epstein was also under investigation for potential witness tampering after one of his private investigators allegedly forced a victim's father off the road. — Brynn Gingras, CNN, "Jeffrey Epstein was accused of sexual misconduct over a decade ago. What's happened since then?," 10 July 2019 Fadil testified against Berlusconi at his original trial and was scheduled to testify at the witness-tampering trial, too. — Washington Post, "Never mind the tax fraud and ‘bunga bunga’ scandals. These Italians won’t give up on Berlusconi.," 28 June 2019 The Texans have ended pursuit of Nick Caserio and the New England Patriots have dropped tampering charges. — John Mcclain, Houston Chronicle, "Texans end pursuit of Nick Caserio for GM," 14 June 2019 But the state threw out the election after uncovering allegations of ballot-tampering. — NBC News, "What the final race of 2018 might tell us about 2020," 22 Aug. 2019 As part of its tampering investigation, the league is assessing whether any teams might have tried to circumvent the salary cap. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Understanding Why Salary Cap Circumvention Is Dangerous for the NBA," 25 July 2019 In January, Stone was indicted on seven federal counts of making false statements and witness tampering for allegedly lying to congressional investigators about his supposed contacts with Russian nationals during the 2016 campaign. — Bryce Klehm And Donovan Dooley, CBS News, "Federal judge bans Roger Stone from using social media," 16 July 2019These 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.
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More Definitions for tamper
tamper
verb
tam·per
| \ ˈtam-pər
\
\
tampered;
tampering
Kids Definition of tamper
: to interfere or change in a secret or incorrect way
Someone was tampering with the official records.
tamper
intransitive verb
tam·per
Legal Definition of tamper
1
: to bring improper influence to bear (as by bribery or intimidation)
—used with with
tampered with the jurors
2
: to alter or interfere in an unauthorized or improper manner
—used with with
tampered with evidence
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