verb

tamper

TAM-per/tˈæmpɝ/

To interfere with something without permission or in a harmful way.

The man tampers with the meter after breaking its security seal.

A furtive man interferes with a sealed electricity meter, using a screwdriver inside its partly opened casing while its severed security seal hangs visibly below.

Etymology

tamperLatinmix in due proportion; regulate

Latin temperare meant mixing in proper proportions or regulating. Tamper probably arose as a variant of temper in the sense “work clay thoroughly,” with physical mixing becoming a figure for meddling and making unauthorized changes.

In context

Honey Love Sugar Drama58:46

Find someone who once served in the Empress's palace and tamper with Empress Gu's daily food and drink As long as she dies, the Empress seat will have no more obstacles

【ENG DUB | FULL】The Prince Befriended a Little Boy Then Learned He Was His Son！#minidrama

More examples

Do not tamper with the seal on this bottle.
The audit reveals that an employee tampered with the records.
The landlord warns tenants against tampering with the smoke detectors.

Forms

tamper · tampers · tampered · tampering

Similar words

meddle: Usually involves unwanted involvement in other people's affairs.
interfere: Broader term that does not necessarily imply unauthorized changes.