tam·per / ˈtampər/ • v. 1. [intr.] (tamper with) interfere with (something) in order to cause damage or make unauthorized alterations: someone tampered with the brakes on my car.2. [intr.] (tamper with) exert a secret or corrupt influence upon (someone).• n. a person or thing that tamps something down, esp. a machine or tool for tamping down earth or ballast.DERIVATIVES: tam·per·er n.

tamper †work in or temper clay XVI; †scheme, plot; deal improperly, meddle with XVII. In all senses the earlier form is TEMPER.

TAMPER

To meddle, alter, or improperly interfere with something; to make changes or corrupt, as in tampering with the evidence.