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

Since it operated without the pouches of chromatic gel that Samaras had previously manipulated, he employed double exposures, colored lights, and paint to alter his images.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, bulk crystals are challenging to manipulate, and their chemical makeup can vary from one region to another, making consistent results harder to achieve.

From Science Daily

The proliferation of prediction markets has raised concerns about users making trades using inside information and manipulating markets to score windfalls.

From The Wall Street Journal

And once I finished, I knew the miller would find new ways to manipulate me.

From Literature

Prosecutors have also investigated allegations that tour guides and intermediaries scammed the museum out of roughly $12 million by manipulating ticketing and access systems, another episode that sharpened criticism of oversight.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• exploit
• handle
• influence
• maneuver
• shape