tamper

¹

[ tam-per ]

verb (used without object)

1. to meddle, especially for the purpose of altering, damaging, or misusing (usually followed by with ):

   Someone has been tampering with the lock.

   Synonyms: interfere

2. to make changes in something, especially in order to falsify (usually followed by with ):

   to tamper with official records.

3. to engage secretly or improperly in something.
4. 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.

tamper

²

[ tam-per ]

noun

1. a person or thing that tamps.

tamper

¹

/ ˈtæmpə /

verb

1. usually foll by with to interfere or meddle
2. to use corrupt practices such as bribery or blackmail
3. usually foll by with to attempt to influence or corrupt, esp by bribery

   to tamper with the jury

tamper

²

/ ˈtæmpə /

noun

1. a person or thing that tamps, esp an instrument for packing down tobacco in a pipe
2. a casing around the core of a nuclear weapon to increase its efficiency by reflecting neutrons and delaying the expansion

Derived Forms

• ˈtamperer, noun

Other Words From

• tam·per·er noun
• un·tam·pered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tamper¹

First recorded in 1560–70; probably variant of temper (verb)

Origin of tamper²

tamp + -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of tamper¹

C16: alteration of temper (verb)

Example Sentences

That result triggered a legal complaint from the NPP, which argued that tally sheets at certain polling stations had been tampered with.

From BBC

Those included state and federal charges of election tampering and another federal indictment alleging the criminal mishandling of secret documents.

From Los Angeles Times

Unfounded allegations of election tampering prompted large turnouts at “Stop the Steal” protests across the country, which eventually culminated in Trump supporters storming the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

With the contentious election less than a week away, election officials are on high alert for threats on poll workers, intimidation and vote tampering.

From Los Angeles Times

They have collected a wide range of claims, from minor security oversights to allegations of deliberate vote tampering.

From BBC

Related Words

• meddle
• monkey with
• tinker