v.
Pronunciation: ' tam-p ə r
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form: tam · pered ; tam · per · ing \ -p( ə -)ri ŋ \
Etymology: probably from Middle French temprer to temper, mix, meddle ― more at TEMPER
Date: 1567
1 : to carry on underhand or improper negotiations (as by bribery)
2 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 tamper ing with consumer products>
– tam · per · er \ -p ə r- ə r \ noun
– tam · per · proof \ ' tam-p ə r- ˌ prüf \ adjective