(manipulates, manipulating, manipulated)
1.
If you say that someone manipulates people, you disapprove of them because they skilfully force or persuade people to do what they want.
He is a very difficult character. He manipulates people...
She's always borrowing my clothes and manipulating me to give her vast sums of money...
They'll have kids who are two, three, who are manipulating them into buying toys.
VERB: V n, V n to-inf, V n into -ing [disapproval]
• manipulation (manipulations)
...repeated criticism or manipulation of our mind...
N-VAR
2.
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, to control and manipulate events...
VERB: V n [disapproval]
• manipulation
...accusations of political manipulation.
N-VAR
3.
If you manipulate something that requires skill, such as a complicated piece of equipment or a difficult idea, you operate it or process it.
The puppets are expertly manipulated by Liz Walker...
VERB: V n
• manipulation
...science that requires only the simplest of mathematical manipulations.
N-VAR
4.
If someone manipulates your bones or muscles, they skilfully move and press them with their hands in order to push the bones into their correct position or make the muscles less stiff.
The way he can manipulate my leg has helped my arthritis so much.
VERB: V n
• manipulation
A permanent cure will only be effected by acupuncture, chiropractic or manipulation.
N-VAR