manipulate

[ muh-nip-yuh-leyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ma·nip·u·lat·ed, ma·nip·u·lat·ing.

1. to manage or influence skillfully, especially in an unfair manner:

   to manipulate people's feelings.

2. to handle, manage, or use, especially with skill, in some process of treatment or performance:

   to manipulate a large tractor.

3. to adapt or change (accounts, figures, etc.) to suit one's purpose or advantage.

   Synonyms: falsify, juggle

4. Medicine/Medical. to examine or treat by skillful use of the hands, as in palpation, reduction of dislocations, or changing the position of a fetus.

manipulate

/ məˌnɪpjʊləˈbɪlɪtɪ; məˈnɪpjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. tr to handle or use, esp with some skill, in a process or action

   to manipulate a pair of scissors

2. to negotiate, control, or influence (something or someone) cleverly, skilfully, or deviously
3. to falsify (a bill, accounts, etc) for one's own advantage
4. (in physiotherapy) to examine or treat manually, as in loosening a joint

Derived Forms

• maˈnipulatively, adverb
• maˈnipulatory, adjective
• manipulability, noun
• maˈnipuˌlator, noun
• maˌnipuˈlation, noun
• maˈnipulative, adjective
• maˈnipuˌlatable, adjective

Other Words From

• ma·nipu·lata·ble adjective
• ma·nip·u·la·to·ry [m, uh, -, nip, -y, uh, -l, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective
• nonma·nipu·lative adjective
• nonma·nipu·la·tory adjective
• outma·nipu·late verb (used with object) outmanipulated outmanipulating
• unma·nipu·lata·ble adjective
• unma·nipu·lated adjective
• unma·nipu·lative adjective
• unma·nipu·la·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of manipulate¹

First recorded in 1820–30; back formation from manipulation

Word History and Origins

Origin of manipulate¹

C19: back formation from manipulation, from Latin manipulus handful

Example Sentences

This attitude isn't just immoral, but it shows they fail to understand how their leaders, especially Trump, manipulate them.

From Salon

The leaked recording revealed De León, two other council members and a labor leader plotting to manipulate redistricting to retain their power and diminish that of their perceived enemies.

From Los Angeles Times

For Mr. Reed to meet his match in these people-pleasing Mormons, victims he sought to manipulate, coerce and dominate — well, there’s a gratification in that.

From Los Angeles Times

And he is forever immune from punishment when he chooses to corruptly manipulate the tools of his office to punish his enemies and reward his friends.

From Slate

Grooming is when someone forms a relationship with a vulnerable person, so they can abuse and manipulate them.

From BBC

Related Words

• exploit
• handle
• influence
• maneuver
• shape