# tampered

/ˈtæmpɝd/ (US) · /tˈæmpəd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tampered
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to touch or change something in a way that is not allowed or is not helpful. You use this when someone tries to break into a lock or change a machine to make it work differently.

For teachers: to interfere with something in a way that is illegal, harmful, or unauthorized. Often implies a deliberate attempt to alter the original state or function of an object.

## Examples

- The police found that someone had tampered with the lock.
- Security cameras showed that an employee had tampered with the system to hide the missing inventory.
- The forensic team concluded that the evidence had been tampered with before the official investigation began, leading to the dismissal of the initial suspect.

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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.