Definition of: manipulate

(mə·nip′yə·lāt) v.t. ·lat·ed, ·lat·ing
1. To handle, operate, or use with or as with the hands, especially with skill.
2. To influence or control artfully or deceptively: to manipulate stocks.
3. To change or alter (figures, accounts, etc.), usually fraudulently. [Back formation <MANIPULATION <F, ult. <L manipulus a MANIPLE]
—ma·nip′u·la′tion noun
—ma·nip′u·la′tive, ma·nip′u·la·to′ry adjective
—ma·nip′u·la′tor noun