Tamper Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tamper

[ˈtæmpər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

to interfere

To interfere with something in order to cause damage or make unauthorized alterations.

Synonyms

alter, interfere, manipulate, meddle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tamper	When someone secretly makes changes or damages something, especially in a way that is harmful or unauthorized. Don't tamper with the security system. He was accused of tampering with evidence.
interfere	When someone gets involved in a situation where their involvement is not wanted or is harmful. Please don't interfere with their conversation. Teachers should not interfere in students' personal issues.
meddle	When someone gets involved in other people's affairs in a way that is annoying or unwelcome. He always meddles in his neighbors' business. Stop meddling with things that don't concern you.
manipulate	When someone tries to control or influence someone or something, often in a subtle, unfair, or dishonest way. She knows how to manipulate people to get what she wants. The data was manipulated to show better results.
alter	When someone makes changes to something, often to improve it or fit a different purpose. She decided to alter her wedding dress. The building plans were altered to include a new wing.

Examples of usage

He was accused of tampering with the evidence.
The company warned customers not to tamper with the machinery.
It is illegal to tamper with someone else's mail.
The suspect was caught trying to tamper with the security cameras.
The seal on the package had been tampered with.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

illegal alteration

An illegal alteration made to something, especially in order to deceive.

Synonyms

alteration, deception, forgery, fraud.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tamper	Used when someone interferes with something, usually with an intent to cause damage or unauthorized changes. Someone has tampered with the documents Do not tamper with the security system
alteration	Used when something has been changed or modified. It is often neutral but can also imply unauthorized modifications. The dress needed some alterations Any alteration to the terms of the contract must be approved
forgery	Used when a false reproduction of a document, artwork, or signature is made with the intent to deceive. It has a strongly negative connotation. The painting was discovered to be a forgery He was arrested for signature forgery
fraud	Used when someone uses deceit or falsehoods to achieve financial or personal gain. It is highly negative. He was accused of committing tax fraud The company became a victim of credit card fraud
deception	Used when someone has been deliberately misled or lied to. It usually has a negative connotation. The magician's tricks rely on deception She was hurt by his acts of deception

Examples of usage

The tamper on the meter was evidence of fraud.
The authorities investigated the tamper on the voting machines.
Any tamper with the official documents would be considered a serious offense.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Aspects

Tampering with evidence in legal cases can lead to serious consequences, including charges of obstruction of justice.
In many jurisdictions, tampering with consumer products, like pharmaceuticals or food, is a criminal offense.
The term is often associated with altering or damaging things to deceive or change their original purpose.

Technology

In cybersecurity, tampering can refer to unauthorized changes made to software or data.
Hackers often tamper with code to create vulnerabilities in systems, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity.
You might have heard of 'data tampering,' which involves changing information to mislead or corrupt the integrity of data.

Cultural References

The concept of tampering is often depicted in crime movies where characters alter evidence to mislead investigations.
In literature, characters who tamper with fate or destiny often face dire consequences, emphasizing the moral of respecting boundaries.
Tampering is featured in social commentary that discusses the impacts of people altering the environment or communities for personal gain.

Common Expressions

The phrase 'do not tamper with' is commonly found on products, indicating that tampering might result in danger or void warranties.
Tampering is often linked to the phrase 'tampering with fate,' which discusses the idea of messing with life's natural course.
In sports, 'tampering' can refer to illegally communicating with players under contract, often leading to penalties.

Origin of 'tamper'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Middle English term 'tamperen,' which meant to meddle or interfere.
It has roots in the Old French word 'tampar,' referring to mixing or altering things.
Originally, it was used in the context of making wine, hinting at changing the natural state.

The word 'tamper' originated from the Middle English word 'tamperen', which meant to work in clay. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the idea of interfering or meddling with something, especially in a harmful or unauthorized way. The modern usage of 'tamper' reflects this sense of unauthorized alteration or damage. The word is often associated with illegal activities or deception due to its connotations of interference for nefarious purposes.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,251, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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22248 rooster
22249 nonpartisan
22250 crayon
22251 tamper
22252 juggling
22253 warranting
22254 typewriting
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