tamper
/'tæmpə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb:
- To interfere with something, especially in order to damage it or make unauthorized changes: This is the most common meaning. It involves handling or altering something improperly, often secretly or with harmful intent.
- To meddle or interfere in something that is not one's concern: This meaning focuses on unwanted or intrusive involvement in matters belonging to others.
Noun:
- A tool used for packing or tamping down material: This is a specialized, less common meaning. It refers to a device, often a rod or lever, used to compact substances like soil, tobacco, or explosives.
Usage Examples
Verb:
- It is a crime to tamper with evidence in an investigation. (This shows the act of altering something improperly.)
- Please do not tamper with the thermostat settings. (This shows interfering with a device's normal operation.)
- He was accused of tampering with the election results. (This shows making unauthorized, dishonest alterations.)
Noun:
- The worker used a tamper to compact the soil around the new fence post. (This shows the tool being used for its intended purpose.)
Advanced Usage
- "to tamper with": This is the standard and almost exclusive phrasal construction for the verb. The object of the interference always follows "with."
- Someone has been tampering with the lock on this door.
- You should never tamper with electrical wiring unless you are qualified.
Variants and Related Words
- Tampering (n): The act or instance of interfering with something.
- The jury was dismissed due to allegations of witness tampering.
- Tamp (v): To pack down firmly by a series of light blows. This is the action performed with a tamper (noun).
- He used his foot to tamp down the soil.
Synonyms
- Interfere with: To get involved in something in an unwanted way.
- Meddle with: To involve oneself in a matter without right or invitation.
- Fiddle with: To make small, restless, or aimless movements, often implying improper adjustment.
- Alter: To change, but "tamper" specifically implies unauthorized or secretive alteration.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Tamper with: As shown throughout, this is the essential verb phrase. It does not commonly separate.
- The documents appeared to have been tampered with.
Related Idioms
- "Tamper-proof": Designed to prevent or show evidence of unauthorized interference.
- The medicine bottle has a tamper-proof seal for safety.
Noun
- a tool for tamping (e.g., for tamping tobacco into a pipe bowl or a charge into a drill hole etc.)
Verb
- intrude in other people's affairs or business; interfere unwantedly
- Don't meddle in my affairs!
- play around with or alter or falsify, usually secretively or dishonestly
- Someone tampered with the documents on my desk
- The reporter fiddle with the facts