manipular

Senses

1. 1.

   to manipulate, to handle

   to operate or work with something using the hands

2. 2.

   to manipulate, to control

   to influence or control someone or something in a deceptive way

3. 3.

   to tamper with, to doctor

   to alter or falsify information, data, or evidence

Examples

• "O técnico estava manipulando substâncias químicas no laboratório."

  The technician was handling chemical substances in the laboratory.

• "Ela percebeu que o namorado tentava manipulá-la emocionalmente."

  She realized that her boyfriend was trying to manipulate her emotionally.

• "A empresa foi acusada de manipular os dados financeiros."

  The company was accused of doctoring the financial data.

Usage

Common in both literal (physical handling) and figurative (psychological/emotional control) contexts. Often collocates with "pessoas" (people), "dados" (data), "informação" (information), and "substâncias" (substances). The negative connotation of deceptive control is very common in everyday speech.