tamper

2 syllables

Quick answer

As a noun, tamper means a person or thing that tamps. As a verb, it means make unauthorized or improper alterations, sometimes causing deliberate damage.

Meanings of tamper

13 meanings

noun

A person or thing that tamps.
A tool used to tamp something down, such as tobacco in a pipe.
railA railway vehicle used to tamp down ballast.
An envelope of neutron-reflecting material in a nuclear weapon, used to delay the expansion of the reacting material and thus produce a longer-lasting and more energetic explosion.
A tool for tamping (e.g., for tamping tobacco into a pipe bowl or a charge into a drill hole etc.)
Similar: tamp, tamping bar

verb

To make unauthorized or improper alterations, sometimes causing deliberate damage; to meddle (with something).
“tamper detection”
“The alarm had been tampered with and didn’t go off when it should have.”
To try to influence someone, usually in an illegal or devious way; to try to deal (with someone).
“Prosecutors argued that he would tamper with witnesses if bail was granted.”
UScain professional sportsTo discuss future contracts with a player, against league rules.
Play around with or alter or falsify, usually secretively or dishonestly
“Someone tampered with the documents on my desk”
“the reporter fiddled with the facts”
Similar: fiddle, monkey
Intrude in other people's affairs or business; interfere unwantedly
“Don't meddle in my affairs!”
Similar: meddle

Older and rare meanings (3)

datedTo meddle (with something) in order to corrupt or pervert it.
obsoleteTo involve oneself (in a plot, scheme, etc.).
obsoleteTo attempt to practise or administer something (especially medicine) without sufficient knowledge or qualifications.

Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).