Tamper with
verb
To change or mess with something, usually in secretive or illegal way, in order to damage or alter its usual function.
We found out that the burglar had tampered with the lock on the back door.
Often appears as...
- tamper with evidence
- tamper with locks
verb
To touch or make changes to something that you should not, usually without enough knowledge of it or permission.
The aircraft's black box records data that is essentially tamper-proof.
Often appears as...
- tamper with electronics
- tamper with documents
verb
To alter something in order to gain an unfair or unlawful advantage.
The suspects were found guilty of tampering with the election results.
Often appears as...
- tamper with votes
- tamper with test results
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To change or mess with something, usually in secretive or illegal way, in order to damage or alter its usual function.
We found out that the burglar had tampered with the lock on the back door.
Often appears as...
- tamper with evidence
- tamper with locks
verb
To touch or make changes to something that you should not, usually without enough knowledge of it or permission.
The aircraft's black box records data that is essentially tamper-proof.
Often appears as...
- tamper with electronics
- tamper with documents
verb
To alter something in order to gain an unfair or unlawful advantage.
The suspects were found guilty of tampering with the election results.
Often appears as...
- tamper with votes
- tamper with test results
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Damage
Used when someone disrupts something's function, often unseen or until it's too late.
He had tampered with the engine, causing the car to break down mid-journey.
Pro Tip 2/3Illegal Acts
Commonly used in a legal or formal context to describe unlawful interference.
She was arrested for tampering with the store's security system.
Pro Tip 3/3Secrecy Element
Often implies secretive handling, possibly to avoid detection or to be stealthy.
He secretly tampered with the documents in the manager's office.
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Damage
Used when someone disrupts something's function, often unseen or until it's too late.
He had tampered with the engine, causing the car to break down mid-journey.
Pro Tip 2/3Illegal Acts
Commonly used in a legal or formal context to describe unlawful interference.
She was arrested for tampering with the store's security system.
Pro Tip 3/3Secrecy Element
Often implies secretive handling, possibly to avoid detection or to be stealthy.
He secretly tampered with the documents in the manager's office.
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Damage
Used when someone disrupts something's function, often unseen or until it's too late.
He had tampered with the engine, causing the car to break down mid-journey.
Pro Tip 2/3Illegal Acts
Commonly used in a legal or formal context to describe unlawful interference.
She was arrested for tampering with the store's security system.
Pro Tip 3/3Secrecy Element
Often implies secretive handling, possibly to avoid detection or to be stealthy.
He secretly tampered with the documents in the manager's office.
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