manipulate
muh-NIHP-yuu-layt
Manipulate (verb) means to handle, adjust, or operate something skillfully with the hands. Example: “The surgeon carefully manipulated the instruments during the procedure.”
verb
1
To handle, adjust, or operate something skillfully with the hands.
"The surgeon carefully manipulated the instruments during the procedure."
"The puppeteer manipulated the strings so the doll seemed to walk."
"Therapists ask patients to manipulate small objects to rebuild strength in their fingers."
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."
"Advertisers sometimes try to manipulate shoppers by creating a false sense of urgency."
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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- manipulates
- Past tense
- manipulated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The surgeon carefully _____ the instruments during the procedure.
Etymology
A back-formation from manipulation, ultimately from Latin manus, "hand."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for manipulate
See all rhymes for manipulate →Frequently asked questions
What does “manipulate” mean?
The word “manipulate” means to handle, adjust, or operate something skillfully with the hands. In plain terms, to skillfully handle something physically, or to control someone through unfair, hidden influence.
How do you pronounce “manipulate”?
“Manipulate” is pronounced muh-NIHP-yuu-layt (/məˈnɪp.jə.leɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “manipulate” in a sentence?
Here is “manipulate” used in a sentence: “The surgeon carefully manipulated the instruments during the procedure.”
What part of speech is “manipulate”?
“Manipulate” is a verb.
Where does the word “manipulate” come from?
The word “manipulate” comes from Latin. A back-formation from manipulation, ultimately from Latin manus, "hand.".
Is “manipulate” a common word?
“Manipulate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “manipulate” have?
“Manipulate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to handle, adjust, or operate something skillfully with the hands.
What is the difference between manipulate and control?
Manipulate often implies handling something skillfully, or influencing a person unfairly through deception, while control is a broader term that does not necessarily involve deception or unfair means. Manipulate carries a more specific, often negative connotation when applied to people.
Is manipulate always a negative word?
Not always. When applied to physical objects, manipulate simply means to handle, adjust, or operate something skillfully with the hands, which is neutral. It becomes negative mainly when describing influencing or controlling a person unfairly through deception.
What is the difference between manipulate and persuade?
Persuade means to convince someone through open, legitimate argument or reasoning, while manipulate implies influencing someone unfairly, often through deception, for one's own benefit. The key distinction is honesty: persuasion is transparent, manipulation is not.
