manipulate

verb

muh-NIP-yuh-layt/məˈnɪp.jə.leɪt/UKmuh-NIP-yuu-layt/məˈnɪp.jʊ.leɪt/

Formsmanipulates, manipulating, manipulated

5 meanings of manipulate

1
verbtransitive
To trick or control someone for your own benefit, often without them knowing.
Like secretly pulling someone's strings so they do what you want.
He tried to manipulate his sister into giving him her candy.
She manipulated her friends to get exactly what she wanted.
Similarexploit, control, influence, maneuver, use
Note
2
verbtransitive
To control or change something to get the result you want.
Like bending the rules of a game so they work in your favor.
Some players manipulate the rules to win unfairly.
She manipulated the figures so the report looked better.
Similarrig, falsify, doctor, alter, fix
Note
3
verbtransitive
To move or handle something with your hands.
Like shaping soft clay by pressing it with your fingers.
She learned to manipulate the puppet's strings with both hands.
He carefully manipulated the tiny parts into place.
Similarhandle, maneuver, operate, work, mold
Note
4
verbtransitive
To move and press parts of the body by hand to check or treat them.
Like gently bending and pressing a stiff hinge to make it move freely again.
The therapist gently manipulated her injured shoulder.
Doctors sometimes manipulate a stiff joint to ease the pain.
Similaradjust, massage, work
Note

Less common meaning

5
verbdatedintransitive
To work with your hands, especially in science experiments.
In the old laboratory, students learned to manipulate with great care.
The chemist manipulated skillfully throughout the long demonstration.
Note

Practice

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Origin

This word was made from the older word "manipulation."