manipulation

Noun

manipulation (countable and uncountable, plural manipulations)

1. The practice of manipulating or the state of being manipulated.
   • The dealer's manipulations could have removed cards from the deck.
   • The rear portion of the tender top is flat and open so as to facilitate the manipulation of the water crane.1956 April, “"Merchant Navy" Class Pacific Modified”, in Railway Magazine, page 212
2. The skillful use of the hands in, for example, chiropractic.
   • After a few minutes of manipulation each week, she obtained days of relief from her neck pain.
3. The usage of psychological influence over a person, event, or situation to gain a desired outcome.
   • The counselor was able to reach the disturbed teen through positive psychological manipulation.
   • Through subtle manipulations he orchestrated the downfall of his rival.