manipulate

American  

[muh-nip-yuh-leyt] / məˈnɪp yəˌleɪt /

verb (used with object)

manipulated, manipulating

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.

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manipulate British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• manipulability noun
• manipulatable adjective
• manipulation noun
• manipulative adjective
• manipulatively adverb
• manipulator noun
• manipulatory adjective
• nonmanipulative adjective
• nonmanipulatory adjective
• outmanipulate verb (used with object)
• unmanipulatable adjective
• unmanipulated adjective
• unmanipulative adjective
• unmanipulatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of manipulate

First recorded in 1820–30; back formation from manipulation

Example Sentences

Hutchcroft - who now believes Barrett took advantage of her mental health problems to manipulate her into parting with her money - had no idea what she was getting into.

From BBC

The experts were confident that the majority of the vessels were real and not spoofed, which is when AIS data is manipulated to give misleading information about a vessel's location or identity.

From Barron's

So do well-informed experts and, more troubling, insiders with the ability to manipulate the betting markets that are proliferating so rapidly.

From Los Angeles Times

The goal is for the robots to pick up parts, assemble components and manipulate items such as wiring harnesses.

From The Wall Street Journal

He developed an uncanny ability to create his own shot under the most difficult of circumstances, manipulating defenses and contorting his way through the lane with ease.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• exploit
• handle
• influence
• maneuver
• shape