verb
manipulate
muh-NIHP-yuu-layt
verb
1
To handle, adjust, or operate something skillfully with the hands.
"The surgeon carefully manipulated the instruments during the procedure."
2
To influence or control someone unfairly, often through deception, for one's own benefit.
"He manipulated his coworkers into taking the blame for his mistake."
"She felt manipulated into agreeing to something she never wanted."
How to Use Manipulate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo skillfully handle something physically, or to control someone through unfair, hidden influence.
Common mistake
The neutral "handle skillfully" sense and the negative "control someone deceptively" sense are both common — context decides which one is meant.
Common pairings
manipulate data
manipulate someone
emotionally manipulate
Word Forms
manipulated past tense, manipulates singular
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The surgeon carefully _____ the instruments during the procedure.
Etymology
A back-formation from manipulation, ultimately from Latin manus, "hand."