Manipulator

/məˈnɪp.jə.leɪ.tər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person who controls or influences others in a clever or unscrupulous way.
He was a master manipulator, able to twist people's emotions to get what he wanted.
A device or a machine used to handle or control an object or system.
The surgeon used a robotic manipulator to perform the delicate operation.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'manipulari', meaning 'to handle' or 'to manage'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

puppet master
someone who manipulates others behind the scenes.
playing the field
engaging with multiple people while manipulating their emotions.
pulling the strings
controlling someone else's actions or decisions.

Related Words

manipulation
The act of manipulating a person or a situation to obtain a desired outcome.
manipulative
Characterized by the ability to influence someone in a deceitful way.

Slang Meanings

Mind games
She's always playing mind games, acting like a real manipulator.
Gaslighter
He's such a gaslighter, always twisting the truth to be the manipulator.