Manipulate Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary
Britannica Dictionary definition of MANIPULATE
[+ object]
1
a
:
to move or control (something) with your hands or by using a machine
-
manipulate a pencil
-
The baby is learning to manipulate blocks.
-
manipulate a computer mouse
-
The mechanical arms are manipulated by a computer.
b
medical
:
to move (muscles and bones) with your hands as a form of treatment
-
The doctor manipulated my back/spine.
2
:
to use or change (numbers, information, etc.) in a skillful way or for a particular purpose
-
The program was designed to organize and manipulate large amounts of data.
-
He's always been good at manipulating numbers in his head.
-
As part of the experiment, students manipulated light and temperature to see how it affected the plants.
3
usually disapproving
a
:
to deal with or control (someone or something) in a clever and usually unfair or selfish way
-
She knows how to manipulate her parents to get what she wants.
-
He felt that he had been manipulated by the people he trusted most.
-
The editorial was a blatant attempt to manipulate public opinion.
b
:
to change (something) in an unfair or selfish way
-
He's accused of trying to manipulate the price of the stock.
-
The company manipulated its accounts to exaggerate its profits.