manipulate
Definitions
To control or influence someone cleverly and often unfairly.
操纵；摆布（常含不正当意味）。
To handle or operate something skillfully with the hands or a tool.
（熟练地）操作；摆弄。
To alter data, figures, or a system to one's advantage.
篡改；操控（数据、系统）。
Root Breakdown
Native EnglishBuilt on manus (hand) + a root meaning 'a handful' = 'to work with the hands, to handle skillfully.' That neutral sense (manipulate the controls) darkened: handling people as if they were objects in your hand = manipulating them.
Root man still carries 62 more wordsWhy It Means This
Manipulate began as a clean, physical word: to handle something skillfully with the hands — a surgeon manipulates instruments, a pianist's fingers manipulate the keys. The dark sense came by metaphor: when you 'handle' a person the way you handle an object — pulling invisible strings to make them do what you want — you manipulate them. Context decides which sense: manipulate data (often negative), manipulate a joystick (neutral).
Common Collocations
- 1.manipulate people操纵他人
- 2.manipulate data处理/篡改数据
- 3.easily manipulated容易被操纵
- 4.manipulate the market操纵市场
Example Sentences
- 1.
He manipulated his friends into doing all the work.
- 2.
The software lets you manipulate images easily.
- 3.
They were accused of manipulating the stock price.