manipulate

Manipulate is defined as to move, arrange or control something in a skilled manner.

(verb)

An example of manipulate is an expert flower arranger moving flowers around until they create the perfect design.
An example of manipulate is creating an artificial price on a stock in order to make a fast profit.

See manipulate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

to work, operate, or treat with or as with the hand or hands; handle or use, esp. with skill
to manage or control artfully or by shrewd use of influence, often in an unfair or fraudulent way: to manipulate an election by bribing the voters
1. to falsify (figures, accounts, etc.) for one's own purposes or profit; rig
2. to cause (prices of stock, etc.) to fall or rise by wash sales, matched orders, etc.

Origin: back-form. < manipulation

Related Forms:

See manipulate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb ma·nip·u·lat·ed, ma·nip·u·lat·ing, ma·nip·u·lates

To move, arrange, operate, or control by the hands or by mechanical means, especially in a skillful manner: She manipulated the lights to get just the effect she wanted.
To influence or manage shrewdly or deviously: He manipulated public opinion in his favor.
To tamper with or falsify for personal gain: tried to manipulate stock prices.
Medicine To handle and move in an examination or for therapeutic purposes: manipulate a joint; manipulate the position of a fetus during delivery.

Origin:

Origin: Back-formation from manipulation

Related Forms: