control (others or oneself) or influence skillfully, usually to one's advantage - She manipulates her boss - She is a very controlling mother and doesn't let her children grow up - The teacher knew how to keep the class in line - she keeps in line • Syn: manipulate, control • Derivationally related forms: controller (for: control), control (for: control), manipulative (for: manipulate), manipulation (for: manipulate) • Hypernyms: interact • Hyponyms: tease, handle, ingratiate • Verb Frames: - Somebody ----s something - Somebody ----s somebody