manipulable

Manipulable is an adjective meaning capable of being manipulated. It describes things that can be influenced, controlled, or altered by human action or by other forces without destroying their essential function or identity.

Etymology and usage notes: the word comes from manipulate, which in turn derives from Latin manus (hand). In modern English, the suffix -able yields forms such as manipulable and manipulable; both spellings appear, though manipulable is widely used.

Applications and contexts: in everyday language, objects like levers, switches, or user interfaces are described as manipulable when a person can operate them. In experimental design, a manipulable variable is one that the researcher can deliberately change to study effects. In data science and cybersecurity, data, features, or inputs that can be altered by an adversary or a test harness are described as manipulable, highlighting potential vulnerabilities or controllability. In social or political discourse, populations or narratives may be called manipulable to indicate susceptibility to influence.

Relation to other terms: manipulability is the noun form of manipulable. Related terms include manipulate (the verb), manipulator (one who manipulates), and concepts such as controllability or operability, which emphasize different aspects of influence or function.

See also: manipulation, controllability, operability, malleability.