Legal Definition manipulate transitive verb ma· nip· u· late mə-ˈni-pyə-ˌlāt manipulated; manipulating : to change by artful or unfair means so as to serve one's purpose

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

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

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 …

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

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.

What does the verb manipulate mean? There are nine meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb manipulate, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and …

Nov 6, 2025 · manipulate (third-person singular simple present manipulates, present participle manipulating, simple past and past participle manipulated) (transitive) To move, arrange or operate …

He's accused of trying to manipulate the price of the stock. The company manipulated its accounts to exaggerate its profits.