Manipulate meaning

What does “manipulate” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“manipulate” is a verb with 6 meanings. Its most common meaning is: influence or control shrewdly or deviously.

manipulate

influence or control shrewdly or deviously
“He manipulated public opinion in his favor”
Synonymspull strings pull wires
hold something in one's hands and move it
tamper, with the purpose of deception
“Fudge the figures”
“cook the books”
Synonymsfudge fake falsify cook wangle misrepresent
manipulate in a fraudulent manner
“rig prices”
Synonymsrig
maintain influence over (others or oneself) skillfully, usually to one's advantage
“She manipulates her boss”
“She is a very controlling mother and doesn't let her children grow up”
Synonymskeep in line control
treat manually, as with massage, for therapeutic purposed

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University