Word
manipulation
Phoneticsma·nip·u·la·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/məˌnɪpjəˈɫeɪʃən/
UK/mənˌɪpjʊlˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01controlling people
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of controlling or influencing someone in a clever or unfair way to get what you want.
n. the exercise of psychological or social influence over others, typically in a deceptive or exploitative manner to serve one's own interests.
日本語:操縦※
“He was a master of manipulation and always managed to get his colleagues to do his work.”
“The documentary explores the psychological manipulation used by cult leaders to isolate members from their families and gain total control over their finances.”
Teaching tip
In social contexts, this word almost always has a negative connotation implying dishonesty.
Synonyms
02skillful use of hands
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Medicine Technical
n. moving or treating something skillfully with your hands, like in a medical treatment.
n. the skillful handling or operation of an object or a part of the body, often for therapeutic purposes.
“The therapist used gentle neck manipulation to help relieve the patient's chronic headaches.”
“The surgeon's precise manipulation of the robotic instruments allowed for a successful operation through a very small incision.”
Usage
Often used in the context of physical therapy, chiropractic, or surgery.
Synonyms
03changing data or facts
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Computing Technical · Academic
n. changing information, figures, or images to achieve a specific result or to mislead people.
n. the adaptation or alteration of data, variables, or digital assets, often to distort the truth or achieve a specific technical outcome.
日本語:操作※
“The company was accused of price manipulation to keep their competitors out of the market.”
“Digital photo manipulation has become so advanced that it is often difficult to distinguish a genuine image from a fabricated one.”
Teaching tip
Commonly used in phrases like 'data manipulation' or 'market manipulation'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “manipulation” in context.
Verb
01. require manipulation
“The delicate components of the clock require careful manual manipulation to function correctly.”
verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“Watchdog science journalism has become a fundamental tool to counter scientific malpractice, such as publication fraud, abuse and political and corporate manipulation of science.” “Several of the region’s largest organizations now combine drug trafficking with illegal gold mining , fuel theft , migrant smuggling and the manipulation of digital payment systems.” “The early web quickly became a laboratory for manipulation, even before anyone used the term “search engine optimization” (SEO) in the modern sense.” “While this study looked closely at microscopic worms, this behavioral manipulation mirrors phenomena seen across the natural world.” Etymology
From French manipulation, from Old French manipule, from Latin manipulus. Morphologically manipulate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/manipulation
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0