— manipulatable , adj. — manipulative /meuh nip"yeuh lay'tiv, -yeuh leuh tiv/ , adj. — manipulatively , adv. — manipulatory /meuh nip"yeuh leuh tawr'ee, -tohr'ee/ , adj.
/meuh nip"yeuh layt'/ , v.t., manipulated, manipulating .
1. to manage or influence skillfully, esp. in an unfair manner: to manipulate people's feelings.
2. to handle, manage, or use, esp. with skill, in some process of treatment or performance: to manipulate a large tractor.
3. to adapt or change (accounts, figures, etc.) to suit one's purpose or advantage.
4. Med. to examine or treat by skillful use of the hands, as in palpation, reduction of dislocations, or changing the position of a fetus.
[ 1820-30; back formation from MANIPULATION ]
Syn. 3. juggle, falsify.