manipulate

views updated

ma·nip·u·late / məˈnipyəˌlāt/ • v. [tr.] 1. handle or control (a tool, mechanism, etc.), typically in a skillful manner: he manipulated the dials of the set. ∎  alter, edit, or move (text or data) on a computer. ∎  examine or treat (a part of the body) by feeling or moving it with the hand: a system of healing based on manipulating the ligaments of the spine.2. control or influence (a person or situation) cleverly, unfairly, or unscrupulously: the masses were deceived and manipulated by a tiny group. ∎  alter (data) or present (statistics) so as to mislead.DERIVATIVES: ma·nip·u·la·bil·i·ty / -ˌnipyələˈbilətē/ n.ma·nip·u·la·ble / -ləbəl/ adj.ma·nip·u·lat·a·ble / -ˌlātəbəl/ adj.ma·nip·u·la·tion / məˌnipyəˈlāshən/ n.ma·nip·u·la·tor / -ˌlātər/ n.ma·nip·u·la·to·ry / -ləˌtôrē/ adj.