manipulate

Universal Words verb [VN] 1 ~ (sb into sth / into doing sth) (disapproving) to control or influence sb/sth, often in a dishonest way so that they do not realize it: She uses her charm to manipulate people. * As a politician, he knows how to manipulate public opinion. * They managed to manipulate us into agreeing to help. 2 to control or use sth in a skilful way: to manipulate the gears and levers of a machine * Computers are very efficient at manipulating information. 3 (technical) to move a person's bones or joints into the correct position manipulation noun [U,C]: Advertising like this is a cynical manipulation of the elderly. * data manipulation * manipulation of the bones of the back