Manipulate
/məˈnɪpjəˌleɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo control or influence something or someone cleverly, often to one's own advantage or at their disadvantage.
/məˈnɪpjəˌleɪt/
To control or influence someone or something skillfully or unfairly.
He manipulated the data to present a misleading picture.
💡 Simply: It's like when you cleverly get someone to do what you want without them realizing it, like convincing your friend to give you their dessert.
👶 For kids: To trick someone into doing what you want.
More Examples
She knew how to manipulate the situation to her advantage.
Advertisers often manipulate consumer desires.
How It's Used
"Politicians often manipulate public opinion through carefully crafted speeches."
"Hackers can manipulate computer systems to steal information."
"She learned how to manipulate her friends to get what she wanted."
To handle or operate something (such as a mechanism or object) in a skillful way.
/məˈnɪpjəˌleɪt/
To handle or operate something with skill.
The mechanic carefully manipulated the engine components.
💡 Simply: It's like using your hands to skillfully work with something, like assembling a model or playing a musical instrument.
👶 For kids: To use your hands to make something work, like playing with toys.
More Examples
She learned to manipulate the fabric to create intricate designs.
He manipulated the levers to control the machine.
How It's Used
"The technician skillfully manipulated the control panel."
"The artist carefully manipulated the clay to create a sculpture."
Idioms & expressions
To manipulate the market
To artificially influence the price of securities or commodities in the market.
"Some investors try to manipulate the market to make a quick profit."
Manipulating data
Changing data, often to falsify results or present a biased view.
"They were accused of manipulating data to support their claims."
From Latin *manipulāre* meaning 'to handle, manage', derived from *manipulus* meaning 'handful'. It entered English in the 17th century.
The term 'manipulate' initially referred to manual handling. Its meaning broadened in the 19th and 20th centuries to include influence and control, especially in social and political contexts.
Memory tip
Imagine a puppeteer skillfully moving the strings – this is manipulation.
Word Origin
"handful"