manipulate

Where does the word "manipulate" come from? It comes from Latin manus, passing through French before entering English (1820s).

Manipulate’s story begins in Latin: manus meant “hand.” Hand, combined with plere (to fill) to form manipulus (a handful). By 1700s, the word had taken hold in French as manipuler. Formed for handling objects skillfully, especially in chemistry. It reached English by 1820s as manipulate. Back-formed from 'manipulation', a French chemistry and surgery term. Today, manipulate means to handle or control something skillfully, or to influence someone unfairly.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient manus "hand", hand, combined with plere (to fill) to form manipulus (a handful).
2. Stage 2 · French · 1700s manipuler "to handle objects skillfully", formed for handling objects skillfully, especially in chemistry.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1820s manipulate "to handle skillfully, or to influence someone unfairly", back-formed from 'manipulation', a French chemistry and surgery term.