# tamper

/ˈtæmpɝ/ (US) · /tˈæmpɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tamper
Updated: 2026-05-29

## Definition

to touch or change something in a way that is not allowed or is harmful. You use this when someone tries to break into a safe or change a machine to get more money.

For teachers: to interfere with something in a way that is illegal, harmful, or unauthorized. Often refers to the act of altering a machine or device to extract money or data without permission.

## Examples

- He was caught trying to tamper with the safe.
- The security system is designed to detect any attempt to tamper with the locks or sensors.
- Investigators found evidence that someone had tampered with the voting machines, raising serious questions about the integrity of the entire election process.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.