ENGLISH
REFERENCE

manipulate

v.
US //məˈnɪpjəˌɫeɪt// UK //mənˈɪpjʊlˌeɪt// ma·nip·u·late
  1. 1 to influence or control people (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to control or influence someone in a clever or unfair way so that they do what you want.

    to influence or control a person or situation deviously, especially for one's own advantage. Transitive; often carries a negative moral connotation.

    Example

    He knew how to manipulate his parents into buying him a new phone.

    Example

    The politician was accused of trying to manipulate public opinion by spreading false information through social media channels.

    Usage

    Often used with a person or a collective noun like 'the public' or 'the media' as the object.
  2. 2 to handle with the hands (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    to move or control something skillfully with your hands.

    to operate or move something manually with dexterity and skill.

    Example

    The puzzle requires you to manipulate the small wooden blocks to form a cube.

    Example

    The surgeon used robotic arms to manipulate the tiny instruments with a level of precision that would be impossible by hand.

    Usage

    Common in technical, medical, or artistic contexts involving fine motor skills.
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  1. 3 to change data or information (v.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical Computing

    to change or arrange information, numbers, or data to get the result you want.

    to process or organize data; in a negative sense, to falsify or tamper with records.

    Example

    You can use this software to manipulate the images and change their colours.

    Example

    The researchers were criticized for trying to manipulate the experimental data to support their original hypothesis.

    Usage

    In academic writing, it can be neutral (processing data) or negative (tampering with results).
  2. 4 medical treatment of joints (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Medicine

    to move a part of someone's body, like their back or neck, to help reduce pain.

    to treat a part of the body by moving it manually, especially to restore mobility to a joint.

    Example

    The physiotherapist had to manipulate my shoulder to help it move properly again.

    Example

    The osteopath performed a series of movements to manipulate the patient's spine and relieve the pressure on the nerves.
Origin

Back-formation from manipulation.

Word family

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