# manipulate

> English word · Verb · IPA /məˈnɪp.jʊ.leɪt/ · frequency rank #11,414

## Definitions
1. To move, arrange or operate something using the hands
2. To influence, manage, direct, control or tamper with something
3. To handle and move a body part, either as an examination or for a therapeutic purpose
4. 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 use
5. To use the hands, especially in scientific experiments.

## Etymology
Back-formation from manipulation.

## Easily confused with
- **manipulator** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/manipulate-vs-manipulator)
- **manipulative** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/manipulate-vs-manipulative)

## Common misspellings (14)
`amnipulate`, `mainpulate`, `manipluate`, `manippulate`, `manipualte`, `manipulaet`, `manipulatte`, `manipullate`, `manipultae`, `maniuplate`, `mannipulate`, `manpiulate`, `mmanipulate`, `mnaipulate`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/manipulate