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

Now that I have done so, I picture Harper smirking at me, suddenly bored by how easy adults are to manipulate and already thinking of some new mischief to get up to.

From The Wall Street Journal

The singer “further manipulated Plaintiff, blaming him for the incident and convincing him that he was the sole culpable party,” confusing Corletto, the lawsuit said.

From Los Angeles Times

Former Blues winger Pat Nevin told BBC Sport before the appointment he thought the club would "get someone in who is young and easy to manipulate".

From BBC

Robotics companies promoting their designs haven’t shown that their proposed products have “multi-fingered dexterity where humans can and do grasp things that are unseen, and grasp and simultaneously manipulate multiple small objects with one hand.”

From Los Angeles Times

On Friday, Dologuélé said there had been "a methodical attempt to manipulate" the outcome.

From BBC

Related Words

• exploit
• handle
• influence
• maneuver
• shape