Definition of "manipulate"

(transitive) To move, arrange or operate something using the hands  examples

(transitive) To influence, manage, direct, control or tamper with something  examples

(transitive, medicine) To handle and move a body part, either as an examination or for a therapeutic purpose  examples

(transitive) To influence or control someone in order to achieve a specific purpose, especially one that is unknown to the one being manipulated and beneficial to the manipulator; to use  examples

(intransitive, dated) To use the hands, especially in scientific experiments.  examples