Tamper
/ˈtæm.pər/noun
To interfere with something improperly, secretly, or without permission.
Did you know?The exact development of tamper is debated, but historical evidence connects it with temper, whose older meanings included mixing, adjusting, and bringing something into proper balance.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*temh₁-
“To cut or divide; the proposed ancient root behind the wider family of words connected with cutting and arrangement.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
témnō
“I cut; this root produced terms concerning cutting apart or analysis.”
Classical Latin
Latin
temperāre
“To mix, combine, moderate, or regulate—literally associated with bringing things into a proper proportion.”
Old French
Old French
temprer
“To mix, temper, soften, or regulate; a major source for English temper.”
Middle English
English
temperen
“To mix, regulate, or adjust; later forms developed toward the sense of interfering or meddling.”
16th Century
English
tamper
“To meddle or interfere improperly, especially with something that should be left alone.”
Modern English
English
tamper
“To interfere with, alter, or handle something improperly or secretly.”