verb
tamper
TAM-puh
Tamper (verb) means to interfere with something in an unauthorized or harmful way. Example: “Someone had tampered with the lock overnight.”
verb
1
To interfere with something in an unauthorized or harmful way.
"Someone had tampered with the lock overnight."
"It's a crime to tamper with evidence."
2
To try to influence someone improperly, often illegally.
"The defendant was accused of tampering with a witness."
How to use tamper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo meddle with something you shouldn't, usually to damage, alter, or corrupt it.
Common mistake
Always takes "with" — you tamper with something, not tamper something.
Common pairings
tamper with evidence
tamper with a witness
tamper with a lock
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Word forms
- Plural
- tampers
- Third person singular
- tampers
- Past tense
- tampered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Someone had _____ with the lock overnight.
Etymology
From tamp ("to pack down firmly") plus the agent/frequentative suffix -er.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for tamper
See all rhymes for tamper →Frequently asked questions
What does “tamper” mean?
The word “tamper” means to interfere with something in an unauthorized or harmful way. In plain terms, to meddle with something you shouldn't, usually to damage, alter, or corrupt it.
How do you pronounce “tamper”?
“Tamper” is pronounced TAM-puh (/ˈtæm.pə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “tamper” in a sentence?
Here is “tamper” used in a sentence: “Someone had tampered with the lock overnight.”
What part of speech is “tamper”?
“Tamper” is a verb.
How many meanings does “tamper” have?
“Tamper” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to interfere with something in an unauthorized or harmful way.
