# manipulate

Pronunciation: US say "muh-NIP-yuh-layt" /məˈnɪp.jə.leɪt/; UK say "muh-NIP-yuu-layt" /məˈnɪp.jʊ.leɪt/

## Verb

1. To influence or control someone secretly for one's own advantage, especially in a way the person does not realize.
   - Simple: To trick or control someone for your own benefit, often without them knowing.
   - _He manipulated his coworkers into covering his share of the project._
   - _Con artists manipulate lonely people by pretending to care about them._
2. To influence, manage, direct, or tamper with something, often to control its outcome.
   - Simple: To control or change something to get the result you want.
   - _The traders manipulated stock prices to mislead smaller investors._
   - _Hackers can manipulate data stored on poorly secured servers._
3. To handle something with the hands so as to move, arrange, or operate it.
   - Simple: To move or handle something with your hands.
   - _The watchmaker manipulated the delicate gears with a fine pair of tweezers._
   - _You can manipulate the soft wax into almost any shape._
4. To handle and move a body part by hand, either to examine it or for treatment.
   - Simple: To move and press parts of the body by hand to check or treat them.
   - _The chiropractor manipulated the patient's spine to relieve the tension._
   - _Physical therapists manipulate stiff joints to restore a normal range of movement._

## Verb

5. To do manual work, especially in carrying out scientific experiments. *(dated)*
   - Simple: To work with your hands, especially in science experiments.
   - _A good experimenter must manipulate deftly to avoid spoiling a delicate reaction._
   - _The assistant manipulated patiently at the bench all afternoon._

## Origin

A back-formation from "manipulation."

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/manipulate (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).