I. tam·per ˈtampə(r), -aam-, -aim- verb
( tampered ; tampered ; tampering -p(ə)riŋ ; tampers )
Etymology: probably from Middle French temprer to mix, meddle, blend, temper — more at temper
intransitive verb
1. : to deal secretly : carry on underhand or improper negotiations : bring improper influence to bear (as by bribery or intimidation) — used with with
charged that the defense attorney had tampered with the witnesses
2.
a. : to interfere so as to weaken or change for the worse — used with with
as old customers themselves, they would not tamper with the place's traditions or staff — Newsweek
could not easily tamper with the privileges of the nobility — D.W.Brogan
b. : to busy oneself rashly : try foolish or dangerous experiments — used with with
is far from innocent in her own tampering with his sensibilities — James Gray
3. archaic : to work secretly for some end : plot , scheme
transitive verb
: to alter for an improper purpose or in an improper way
here, perhaps, is the most objectionable aspect of … tampering the texts: his bland presumption — Richard Hanser
Synonyms: see meddle
II. tamp·er noun
( -s )
Etymology: tamp (I) + -er
: one that tamps: as
a. : one that prepares for blasting by filling the hole in which the charge has been placed
b. : a round wooden stick or metal bar used to pack tamping in a drill hole
c. : a tool or machine for compacting concrete by tamping
d. : a mass of material used to delay a nuclear reaction and prevent the escape of neutrons