Word
manipulate
Meanings
to handle or control something skillfully, especially with the hands or with equipment
to influence or control someone in a clever or dishonest way to get what you want
to change or arrange information, numbers, or data to produce a desired result
Definition
To manipulate something is to control or handle it skillfully, often to achieve a particular result.
To manipulate means to handle, move, or control something in a skillful way. It can also mean to influence a person or situation to get the result you want, sometimes in an unfair or dishonest way. The meaning depends on whether the focus is on physical control or social influence.
Examples
- The technician manipulated the controls to stabilize the robot’s movement.
- He tried to manipulate his friends into choosing his plan for the trip.
- I won’t let anyone manipulate me with guilt or pressure.
- The editor manipulated the images to make the colors look more dramatic.
- They manipulated the schedule so the team could finish before the deadline.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use manipulate when they only mean “use” or “operate,” but manipulate often suggests skillful control or unfair influence.
More at B2 level
- fascism Fascism is an extreme right-wing political system with a powerful dictator, strong nationalism, and…
- gaslighting Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that makes someone doubt their own memory, judg…
- narcissist A narcissist is someone who is excessively self-centered and craves admiration while showing little…
- niche A niche is a specialized place, role, or market that suits a particular person or product.
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.