Manipulative
/məˈnɪpjʊlətɪv/
Definitions
Characterized by skillful or devious influence or control, especially to one's own advantage.
/məˈnɪpjʊlətɪv/
Designed to influence people's behavior or attitudes in a clever or unfair way.
His manipulative behavior caused a rift in their friendship.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who is really good at getting you to do what they want, even if it's not what's best for you. They might use your feelings or try to trick you.
👶 For kids: When someone is manipulative, they try to trick or make you do what they want, even if it's not nice.
More Examples
The advertising campaign was criticized for its manipulative use of emotional appeals.
She found him to be charming but ultimately manipulative.
How It's Used
"Therapists often encounter manipulative behaviors in patients with certain personality disorders."
"The campaign used manipulative tactics to sway voters' opinions."
"She realized her friend was being manipulative, always playing on her emotions."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
play someone like a fiddle
To control or influence someone completely, often for one's own advantage.
"He played her like a fiddle, getting her to do all his work."
From French *manipuler* (to handle, manage), from Latin *manipulus* (handful, a Roman military unit), from *manus* (hand). The suffix -ative indicates a tendency or inclination.
The term 'manipulative' has been used since the mid-19th century to describe actions intended to control or influence others. Its usage has expanded with the rise of psychology and marketing, becoming increasingly common in discussions of interpersonal relationships and social dynamics.
Memory tip
Think of a puppet master pulling strings. Someone who is manipulative tries to control people like puppets.
Word Origin
"hand"