manipulate

/məˈnɪpjʊleɪt/verb

To control or influence someone in a clever, unfair, or dishonest way for your own benefit.

Example sentences

“He manipulated his friends into covering for him.”
“Some ads manipulate viewers by playing on their fears.”
“She felt manipulated after learning the real reason he called.”

The adjective 'manipulative' describes a person who does this. With data or numbers it means changing them dishonestly: manipulated statistics.

Synonyms for manipulate

exploit
use
con

On the Academic Word List. Find it in: Academic vocabulary.

Related words

marTo damage something or make it less good or attractive.malwareComputer programs created to do harm or act against the user's wishes.malignantDescribing a tumor or disease that is cancerous, grows quickly, and can spread to other parts of the body.maliceThe wish to hurt someone or see them suffer, or pleasure taken in their misfortune.malevolentWanting to hurt others or wishing them harm.malaiseA general feeling that things are not going well, with low energy and little hope, often shared by a whole group, economy or society.