tr.v. ma·nip·u·lat·ed, ma·nip·u·lat·ing, ma·nip·u·lates 1. 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. See Synonyms at handle. 2. To influence or manage shrewdly or deviously: He manipulated public opinion in his favor. 3. To tamper with or falsify for personal gain: tried to manipulate stock prices. 4. Medicine To handle and move in an examination or for therapeutic purposes: manipulate a joint; manipulate the position of a fetus during delivery. [Back-formation from MANIPULATION.] ma·nipu·lat′a·ble adj. ma·nipu·la′tor n. ma·nipu·la·to′ry (-lə-tôr′ē) adj. |
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