Definition of "tamper" in English

noun

1. A person or thing that tamps.

verb

1. (intransitive) To make unauthorized or improper alterations, sometimes causing deliberate damage; to meddle (with something).

   • tamper detection
   • The alarm had been tampered with and didn’t go off when it should have.
   • The election monitors found that a large number of ballots had been tampered with.

2. (intransitive) To try to influence someone, usually in an illegal or devious way; to try to deal (with someone).

   • Prosecutors argued that he would tamper with witnesses if bail was granted.

3. (dated) To meddle (with something) in order to corrupt or pervert it.

4. (obsolete) To involve oneself (in a plot, scheme, etc.).

   • 1716, Joseph Addison, The Free-holder, No. 31, 6 April, 1716, London: D. Midwinter and J. Tonson, p. 180, […] he was beheaded upon the Defeat of the Conspiracy for having but thus far tampered in it.

5. (obsolete) To attempt to practise or administer something (especially medicine) without sufficient knowledge or qualifications.

6. (US, Canada, in professional sports) To discuss future contracts with a player, against league rules.