manipulate
UK: məˈnɪp.jə.leɪt | US: məˈnɪp.jə.leɪt
vt. to handle or control skillfully, often with deceptive intent
vt. to influence or manage cleverly or unfairly
vt. to adapt or alter data or machinery for a purpose
manipulate = mani<hand> + pul<fill> + ate<verb suffix>
- mani (from Latin manus, meaning "hand")
- pul (from Latin -pulus, related to plere, meaning "to fill" or "to control")
- ate (a verb-forming suffix indicating action)
Etymology Origin:
The word manipulate traces back to Latin manipulatus, the past participle of manipulare ("to handle or control by hand"). It originally referred to physical handling (e.g., tools or objects) but evolved metaphorically to describe skillful or deceptive control over people or systems. The root mani- (hand) reflects manual dexterity, while -pul- implies filling or directing, giving the word its dual sense of physical and psychological influence.
The magician manipulated the cards with effortless precision.
Politicians often manipulate public opinion through media.
Scientists manipulated the data to fit their hypothesis.
He was accused of manipulating stock prices for personal gain.
The robot arm can manipulate tiny components with accuracy.