Manipulation

Definition

The action of handling, controlling, or influencing something or someone, often in an underhanded manner.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /məˌnɪpjəˈleɪʃən/
• Respelling: muh-NIP-yuh-LAY-shun (with "muh" as in "sofa," "NIP" as in "nip," "yuh" as in "yes," "LAY" as in "day," and "shun" as in "nation")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /məˌnɪpjʊˈleɪʃən/
• Respelling: muh-NIP-yuh-LAY-shun (with "muh" as in "sofa," "NIP" as in "nip," "yuh" as in "yes," "LAY" as in "day," and "shun" as in "nation")

In both dialects, "manipulation" places the primary stress on the fourth syllable, "LAY." The pronunciation is very similar across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "muh-NIP-yuh-LAY-shun."

Etymology

From the Latin word "manipulatio", which is derived from "manipulus", meaning "handful" or "sheaf". "Manipulus" itself originates from "manus", which translates to "hand", combined with "ple", which means "to fill". Historically, the term referred to the act of handling or using objects with the hands. Over time, its definition expanded to include influencing or controlling situations or people, often with deceitful intentions.

Derivatives

• Manipulative
• Manipulatively
• Manipulator
• Manipulable
• Manipulandum

Synonyms

• Influence
• Control
• Handling

Antonyms

• Authenticity
• Frankness
• Sincerity

Usage

Manipulation is often used in contexts where individuals or groups attempt to influence others or manage situations to their advantage, sometimes through deceptive or underhanded tactics. It can also refer to the careful and skilled handling of objects, systems, or data.

• She was skilled in the manipulation of figures and data.
• The politician was accused of manipulation to gain public favor.

Related Terms

• Alteration
• Distortion
• Tweak
• Meddling
• Interference

Detailed Definition

Noun

• The action or process of handling or controlling something with the hands.
• Example: His manipulation of the clay was mesmerizing to watch.

• The skillful handling, controlling, or using of something or someone.
• Example: The pianist's manipulation of the keys produced a haunting melody.

• The act of controlling or influencing someone or something in a cunning or deceitful way.
• Example: He was known for his manipulation of public opinion using propaganda.

• The action of using or altering data or information in a misleading way.
• Example: There were allegations of data manipulation during the research.