Word
manipulation
Meanings
the use of dishonest or indirect tactics to control or influence someone
careful handling or control of something to achieve a desired effect
the process of altering information, images, or data to change the result or impression
Definition
Manipulation is the act of controlling or influencing someone or something in a clever or unfair way.
Manipulation usually means using tactics to influence people so they do what you want, often without realizing it. It can involve emotional pressure, selective information, or guilt. The word can also describe careful control of objects or data to achieve a particular result.
Examples
- I recognized the manipulation in his apology, because it shifted blame while demanding immediate forgiveness.
- You can resist manipulation by asking for time and checking the facts before you respond.
- She called out the manipulation when the team lead praised her in public but threatened her in private.
- They described the advertisement as manipulation designed to trigger anxiety rather than inform customers.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse manipulation with simple persuasion, but manipulation usually implies hidden, unfair, or deceptive control.
More at C1 level
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More nouns
- 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…
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- metaphor A metaphor is a way of describing something by saying it is something else to create a clear image …