manipulation
/məˌnɪpjʊˈleɪʃən/
noun
Origin
Latin
manipulus — a handful, a bundle
Overview
Meaning Now
- The act or process of handling or controlling something, typically in a skillful or shrewd manner.
- The exertion of undue influence or control over a person or situation.
Literal older meaning
the act of handling with the hands
Language path
Latin → French → English
Earliest form
manipulation
Earliest period
late 18th century
Journey
The word originally referred to the physical, often laboratory-based, handling of items. By the 19th century, the metaphor extended to psychological contexts, evolving to describe the cunning management of individuals.
Evolution
- Latin
manipulus
“handful”
from manus (hand) + plere (to fill)
- 17th-century French
manipulation
“handling of objects”
introduced via chemical or alchemical processes
- 18th-century English
manipulation
“physical handling or skillful management”
adopted from French usage
Connections
Word parts
mani-
root
hand
-pulus
root
filled/bundle
-ation
suffix
process or result of an action
Related across languages
French
handling
Italian
manipolazione
handling
Explore next
Related to manipulation
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.