To skillfully handle or control something, often in a sneaky way to get what you want.
From Latin manipulus, 'handful' (manus 'hand' + -pulus). Originally meant literally handling with hands, but evolved to mean controlling people or situations through clever scheming.
The word literally means 'handful' in Latin, so it started as just handling things by hand. Over time it became about handling people's emotions and thoughts—not with your hands, but with words and tricks.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.