Manipulation (noun)

1. The act of manipulating something or someone.
2. The action or skill of using the hands to work on something.
3. The control or influence over something or someone in an unfair or secret way.

Origin:

Late 16th century, from latin manipulus 'handful, handful of tools', from manus 'hand' + -pulus '-ful'.

Examples:

1. The manipulation of the financial markets is illegal.
2. The artist's manipulation of color and light was masterful.
3. The politician was accused of manipulation of the voting process.
4. The puppeteer's manipulation of the marionette was impressive.
5. The psychologist used manipulation techniques to get the patient to open up.