/ məˈnɪpjuleɪt; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
manipulate (sb into sth / into doing sth) ( disapproving ) to control or influence sb/sth, often in a dishonest way so that they do not realize it :
She uses her charm to manipulate people.
As a politician, he knows how to manipulate public opinion.
They managed to manipulate us into agreeing to help.
2.
to control or use sth in a skilful way :
to manipulate the gears and levers of a machine
Computers are very efficient at manipulating information.
3.
( technical ) to move a person's bones or joints into the correct position
► ma·nipu·la·tion / məˌnɪpjuˈleɪʃn; NAmE / noun [ U , C ]:
Advertising like this is a cynical manipulation of the elderly.
data manipulation
manipulation of the bones of the back
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WORD ORIGIN
early 19th cent.: back-formation from manipulation .