Manipulate

To manipulate means to handle or control something, typically a person or situation, skillfully or shrewdly, often for one's own advantage. This can involve influencing, directing, or exploiting others to achieve a desired outcome, frequently in a deceptive or underhanded manner. Manipulation often implies a lack of transparency and a disregard for the autonomy or well-being of those being manipulated. The goal can range from simple persuasion to the exercise of complete control over a situation. Effective manipulation involves understanding the target's weaknesses, desires, and vulnerabilities, and using that knowledge to shape their actions or beliefs. It can be a subtle process, involving strategic use of information, emotional appeals, or carefully crafted social dynamics. The term also describes using and operating something, especially with one’s hands, for a specific purpose or to conduct something, such as with machinery or technology, or through performing an action.

Manipulate meaning with examples

• The con artist expertly manipulated the elderly woman's emotions, using fabricated stories of hardship to convince her to hand over her life savings. He played on her sympathy, twisting facts to elicit a feeling of guilt, carefully building a web of deceit to achieve his selfish goal. She was left financially ruined and emotionally shattered.
• The politician manipulated public opinion by spreading misinformation through strategically leaked documents, carefully controlling media narrative. The goal was to sway voters and maintain power. He understood the power of carefully constructed narratives and how to exploit existing biases, creating a carefully crafted echo chamber.
• The engineer was able to successfully manipulate the complex machinery, fine-tuning the settings and achieving maximum production efficiency. She was able to expertly configure the machine, applying the correct settings. The process required a deep understanding of the machine's mechanics and careful attention to detail. The ability to control the equipment was critical.
• The advertising agency sought to manipulate consumer behavior by employing subliminal messaging and persuasive marketing techniques to push their product's sales. They understood the power of consumer psychology and how to capitalize on needs and desires. The goal was to make the product unavoidable. They built excitement around the product.