manipulation

Etymology

From French manipulation, from Old French manipule, from Latin manipulus. Morphologically manipulate + -ion

noun

1. The practice of manipulating or the state of being manipulated.
   The dealer's manipulations could have removed cards from the deck.
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.