tam·per
1 (tăḿpər)
[Probably alteration of temper.]
verb: -pered, -per·ing, -pers.
intransitive verb
- To interfere in a harmful manner: tried to tamper with the decedent's will; tampering with the timing mechanism of the safe.
- To tinker with rashly or foolishly: Don't tamper with my feelings.
- To engage in improper or secret dealings, as in an effort to influence: tamper with a jury. See synonyms at interfere
transitive verb
- To alter improperly.
derivatives
- taḿper·er
- noun
tamp·er
2 (tăḿpər)
noun
- A neutron reflector in an atomic bomb that also delays the expansion of the exploding material, making possible a longer-lasting, more energetic, and more efficient explosion.
