tamper

Mess with evidence

To tamper is to interfere with something in a way that damages, alters, or corrupts it: Someone tampered with the evidence, tamper-proof packaging.

The interference is usually unauthorized and often subtle—tampering implies meddling rather than obvious destruction.

Tampering with a jury means attempting to influence jurors illegally.

interfere

meddle

Interfere without invitation

  • interfereObstruct or meddle uninvited
  • tinkerMender of metal household wares
  • fiddleAdjust restlessly; folk violin

mess with · manipulate · alter · disturb · disrupt · obstruct · impede · hinder · thwart · hamper

falsify

forge

Furnace for shaping metal

  • doctorLicensed medical healer
  • falsifyDistort the truth
  • rigEquipment arrangement or vehicle

fix · manipulate · alter · adulterate · corrupt · contaminate · spike · poison · dilute · misrepresent

evidence

crime scene

Location of an offense

compromise · disturb · obstruction · spoliation · forensic · investigation · prosecution · inadmissible · integrity · preservation

compact

pack

Group or compress

consolidate · densify · flatten · level · settle · firm · compact · espresso · portafilter · tobacco

security

seal

Authentication stamp or mark

alarm · lock · breach · unauthorized access · cybersecurity · hack · exploit · vulnerability · protection · safeguard

Categories
Opposites
interference vs. preservation

tamperleave alone

Refrain from disturbing

preserve · protect · hands off · leave be · let be

harmful manipulation vs. beneficial intervention

tamperrepair

Restore to working order

fix · restore · preserve · protect · improve

covert meddling vs. transparent action

tamperauthenticate

Confirm as genuine

verify · validate · certify · legitimize · authorize

Phrases
Family

tamper-proof, tampon, tampering, tamp, tampered, tampers, tamping, tamped, tamperer

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G