Tampering Meaning and Definition
Tampering
Pronunciation
/ˈtæmpərɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The act of intentionally changing or interfering with something, often in a way that is unauthorized or against the rules.
Examples
- The hacker was accused of tampering with the company’s database.
- The mechanic found that someone had tampered with the engine.
Synonyms
- Mess
- Interference
- Alteration
Etymology
The word “Tampering” originated from the Old English word “tamian”, meaning “to handle or manage”. It evolved to refer to the act of handling or managing something in an unauthorized or improper way.
Usage Notes
When using the word “Tampering”, it’s important to consider the context in which it is used. In technical contexts, tampering may refer to unauthorized access or modification of software or hardware. In everyday language, tampering may refer to any act of intentional interference or alteration.
Cultural References
The concept of tampering is often depicted in popular culture, such as in the movie “Hackers” and the TV show “Mr. Robot”, where characters engage in illegal hacking and tampering activities.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Tampering with someone’s business” means to interfere or meddle in someone else’s affairs.
Related Words or Phrases
Tampering is closely related to concepts like hacking, meddling, and interference.
Collocations
Tampering is often collocated with words like “software”, “hardware”, “data”, and “system”.
Frequency of Use
The frequency of using the word “Tampering” has increased in recent years, particularly in the context of technology and cybersecurity.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “Tampering” include “Tampering”, “Tamerling”, and “Tampering”.