# manipulator

/məˈnɪpjəˌɫeɪtɝ/ (US) · /mənˈɪpjʊlˌeɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/manipulator
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a person who uses clever tricks or lies to control other people's feelings or actions. You use this to describe someone who is very good at getting what they want from others.

For teachers: a person who skillfully uses others for their own advantage, often through deceit or emotional control. In technical contexts, it refers to a mechanical device used to handle objects with precision.

## Examples

- He is a master manipulator who always gets his way.
- The politician was accused of being a manipulator who used fear to influence the public during the election.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.