Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Manipulation has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage
"his manipulation of his friends was scandalous"
the action of touching with the hands (or the skillful use of the hands) or by the use of mechanical means
"The surgeon's delicate manipulation of the tissue allowed him to repair the artery without causing further damage."
The practice of manipulating or the state of being manipulated.
"The politician's speech was criticized as a masterful manipulation of public opinion to win the election."
In plain English: Manipulation is when someone tricks you into doing something by controlling your actions or feelings.
"The politician used emotional manipulation to win over the undecided voters."
Usage: Use manipulation to describe the act of controlling someone through deceitful means rather than open persuasion, distinguishing it from neutral terms like management. Avoid using this word for simple technical adjustments unless those actions involve trickery or unfair influence over people.
The word entered English from the French term manipulation, which originally referred to a small handful of grain or other goods held in one's hand. Over time, its meaning broadened to describe the act of handling objects with skill and eventually came to signify controlling events through clever or deceptive means.