The meaning of MANIPULATE is to move or control with the hands or by mechanical means especially in a skillful manner. How to use manipulate in a sentence.

MANIPULATE definition: to manage or influence skillfully, especially in an unfair manner. See examples of manipulate used in a sentence.

MANIPULATE definition: 1. to control something or someone to your advantage, often unfairly or dishonestly: 2. to control…. Learn more.

To manipulate something means to handle it skillfully, like the way a sculptor manipulates clay or a really good politician works a crowd.

To move, arrange, operate, or control by the hands or another body part or by mechanical means, especially in a skillful manner: She manipulated the lights to get just the effect she wanted.

(disapproving) to control or influence somebody/something, often in a dishonest way so that they do not realize it. manipulate somebody/something She uses her charm to manipulate people. As a …

If you say that someone manipulates people or events, you disapprove of them because they control or influence them to produce a particular result. He manipulated Terry into doing what he asked.