The meaning of MANIPULATE is to move or control with the hands or by mechanical means especially in a skillful manner. How to use manipulate in a sentence.

MANIPULATE definition: 1. to control something or someone to your advantage, often unfairly or dishonestly: 2. to control…. Learn more.

MANIPULATE definition: to manage or influence skillfully, especially in an unfair manner. See examples of manipulate used in a sentence.

If you say that someone manipulates an event or situation, you disapprove of them because they use or control it for their own benefit, or cause it to develop in the way they want. She was unable, for once, …

1. to manage or influence skillfully and often unfairly: to manipulate people's feelings. 2. to handle or use, esp. with skill: to manipulate a large tractor. 3. to adapt or change (accounts, figures, etc.) to suit …

Nov 6, 2025 · manipulate (third-person singular simple present manipulates, present participle manipulating, simple past and past participle manipulated) (transitive) To move, arrange or operate …

to handle, manage, or use, esp. with skill, in some process of treatment or performance: to manipulate a large tractor. to adapt or change (accounts, figures, etc.) to suit one's purpose or advantage.

There are nine meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb manipulate, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

To manipulate something means to handle it skillfully, like the way a sculptor manipulates clay or a really good politician works a crowd. The verb manipulate evolved from manipulation, which back in the …

Over time, the word 'manipulate' evolved to encompass the notion of skillfully controlling or influencing people or objects to achieve a desired outcome or gain an advantage.