# tampering

/ˈtæmpɝɪŋ/ (US) · /tˈæmpəɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tampering
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the act of touching or changing something without permission, usually to cause damage or to cheat. You often hear this word when someone tries to break a lock or change a document.

For teachers: the act of interfering with something in a secret or unauthorized way, typically to cause damage, alter results, or gain an unfair advantage.

## Examples

- The police found evidence of tampering with the lock.
- The company added a plastic seal to the bottle to prevent any tampering before the customer buys it.
- The defense attorney argued that the digital evidence was inadmissible due to potential tampering during the initial stages of the forensic investigation.

## Pitfalls

- Not "tampering of the evidence" but "tampering with the evidence" — The noun 'tampering' (and the verb 'tamper') requires the preposition 'with' to indicate the object being interfered with.

## Usage notes

- Often followed by the preposition 'with'.

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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.