Manipulation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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manipulation
[mษหnษชpjสหleษชสษn ]
Definitions
psychology
The action of manipulating someone in a clever or unscrupulous way.
Synonyms
control, deception, exploitation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| manipulation |
Situations where someone is skillfully influencing or altering something or someone to achieve a desired outcome. It can be both positive (like managing variables in an experiment) and negative (like emotionally manipulating someone).
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| exploitation |
Refers to unfair or unethical use of someone or something, often for personal gain. This term carries a strongly negative connotation.
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| control |
Used when someone has the power to direct or manage a situation, group, or system. It is often neutral or positive, implying authority or regulation, but can have a negative connotation if used excessively.
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| deception |
Used to describe situations where someone is intentionally misleading or tricking others. This term always has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She felt that she was a victim of his manipulation.
- The company was accused of manipulation of the data to deceive investors.
medicine
The skillful handling or control of a body part or a tool for therapeutic purposes.
Synonyms
adjustment, therapy, treatment.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| manipulation |
In a medical or physical context, this term can be used to describe a manual technique used by a chiropractor, physical therapist, or other medical professional to adjust the alignment of a body part.
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| adjustment |
Use when referring to minor changes or modifications made to achieve a desired result.
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| treatment |
Use when talking about medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury. It can also refer generally to any method or process used to improve a condition or situation.
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| therapy |
Use when referring to a treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder, typically involving structured interventions or sessions.
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Examples of usage
- The physical therapist used manipulation to alleviate the patient's back pain.
- Chiropractors often use spinal manipulation to treat musculoskeletal conditions.
technology
The process of changing or modifying data or information to achieve a desired result.
Synonyms
editing, modification, processing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| manipulation |
Duplicate, should be excluded. |
| editing |
Commonly used when referring to making changes to text, images, or video to improve or alter its content. Generally has a neutral or positive connotation.
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| processing |
Used when talking about performing a series of operations on information or material to change or preserve it. Can be neutral or technical in nature.
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| modification |
Refers to making changes to something, often to improve it or make it more suitable for a particular purpose. Neutral connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The manipulation of images using Photoshop software is common in the advertising industry.
- Data manipulation is a key skill in the field of data analysis.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Manipulation can involve psychological techniques such as gaslighting, where someone makes another doubt their own perceptions.
- Studies show that people may manipulate others to fulfill their needs, often without realizing the harm it can cause.
- Social manipulation is common in advertising, where companies use psychological tactics to influence buying behaviors.
Media & Literature
- Many novels feature characters who manipulate others, highlighting themes of power and control.
- In films, manipulators often serve as antagonists, creating tension and conflict through their actions.
- Literary devices like irony showcase manipulation by revealing a difference between appearance and reality.
Ethics
- Manipulation raises ethical questions about consent and autonomy in both personal and professional relationships.
- Many philosophers discuss the morality of manipulation, debating whether it's ever justifiable.
- In business, manipulation can lead to toxic cultures where transparency and honesty are sacrificed.
Everyday Life
- Friendships can suffer when manipulation occurs, as trust is broken when one person is dishonest.
- Especially in politics, manipulation is used to sway public opinion, often through misleading information.
- Social media platforms can amplify manipulation through algorithms that prioritize sensational content, affecting user perceptions.
Origin of 'manipulation'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'manipulatio', meaning 'handling'.
- In the late 19th century, it evolved to mean skillful handling, often in a social context.
- Initially used in contexts like surgery, it gradually took on a more negative connotation.
The word 'manipulation' originated from the Latin word 'manipulare', which means 'to handle or control'. Its earliest recorded use in English dates back to the 18th century. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various contexts, including psychology, medicine, and technology. The concept of manipulation has been a subject of study in psychology, ethics, and communication, highlighting the complexities of human interaction and influence.
See also: manipulably, manipulating, manipulations, manipulative.