manipulate UK /məˈnɪp.jʊ.leɪt/US /məˈnɪp.jə.leɪt/ verb5 •To move, arrange or operate something using the hands •To influence or control someone in order to achieve a specific purpose, especially one that is unknown to the one being manipulated and beneficial to the manipulator; to useShe knew how to manipulate people to get her way. •To influence, manage, direct, control or tamper with somethingThe software can manipulate images easily. •To handle and move a body part, either as an examination or for a therapeutic purpose •(old-fashioned) To use the hands, especially in scientific experiments. formsmanipulated · manipulating · manipulates