ma·nip·u·late [ mə níppyə làyt ](past and past participlema·nip·u·lat·ed, present participlema·nip·u·lat·ing, 3rd person present singularma·nip·u·lates)
transitive verb
Definition:
1. operate something: to move, operate, or handle something, especially a machine or mechanical parts manipulating the crane into position
2. handle numbers: to work with data on a computer
3. control somebody or something: to control or influence somebody or something in an ingenious or devious way
4. falsify something: to change or present something in a way that is false but personally advantageous
5. treat body part using hands only: to treat a part of the body, or to move a part such as a joint during examination, using the hands only
[Early 19th century. Back-formation <manipulation< French< manipule "handful" < Latin manipulus (see maniple)]
