emotional manipulation

USAGE SUMMARY

"emotional manipulation" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing tactics that influence someone's feelings to achieve a specific outcome. For example, "She used emotional manipulation to make him feel guilty about leaving." Alternative expressions include "emotional coercion" and "psychological manipulation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems grim to dwell on the negative, but overcoming emotional manipulation means knowing what emotions were normal and which were created intentionally by the manipulator.

WikiHow

He also recoiled from any causal account of "emotive meaning" that reduced moral discourse to emotional manipulation.

SEP

Since grooming is simply emotional manipulation, you may feel a range of emotions including missing your groomer, wanting that attention back, regretting stopping it, and so forth.

WikiHow

Because it is emotionally manipulative and if you hit the right triggers, emotional manipulation works every single time.

Huffington Post

Why age a perfect fresh photo except as a form of emotional manipulation?With InstaCRT, though, Babbage too let himself be emotionally manipulated.

The Economist

Brutal emotional manipulation.

The Guardian - Film

Cornered, Siddal became adept at emotional manipulation.

The Guardian - Arts

Gomorrah offered a masterclass in brazen emotional manipulation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Do Richmond have a monopoly on emotional manipulation?

The Guardian - Sport

Lower levels of conscientiousness and agreeableness also predicted emotional manipulation.

Personality and Individual Differences

It is the purest, most joyous form of emotional manipulation on the planet.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "emotional manipulation" to describe situations where there is a clear intention to influence someone's feelings unfairly for personal gain.

Common error

Don't use "emotional manipulation" when simply describing persuasive or influencing behaviors. Manipulation implies a deceptive or coercive intent, whereas persuasion can be ethical and transparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emotional manipulation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It labels a specific type of behavior characterized by the calculated exploitation of someone's emotions. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from interpersonal relationships to political discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

25%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "emotional manipulation" is a widely used term to describe the act of exploiting someone's emotions to control their behavior. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use across various contexts. As a noun phrase, it labels unethical behavior that takes advantage of another person’s feelings. The frequency of its use in News & Media, Scientific publications, and Wiki sources underscores its relevance in contemporary discussions. Be aware of the negative connotations associated with this term, and avoid confusing it with ethical persuasion. When writing about this topic, ensure you are specific and avoid generalizations to provide clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

psychological manipulation

Replaces "emotional" with "psychological", broadening the scope to include cognitive tactics.

coercive control

Highlights the controlling aspect of manipulation, often used in the context of relationships.

mind games

An informal term for manipulative tactics, often implying a playful or strategic element.

gaslighting

A specific form of manipulation that involves making someone question their sanity.

playing on emotions

Focuses on the act of exploiting someone's feelings.

exploiting feelings

Highlights the act of taking unfair advantage of another person's emotional state.

affective influence

A more formal and academic way to describe influencing someone's emotions.

persuasive tactics

A broader term that encompasses both ethical and unethical methods of influence.

Machiavellian tactics

Implies a strategic and ruthless approach to manipulation.

nefarious scheming

Emphasizes the deceitful and malicious intent behind the manipulation.

FAQs

What are some examples of "emotional manipulation"?

"Emotional manipulation" can include tactics like gaslighting, guilt-tripping, love bombing, and playing the victim. These behaviors aim to control someone's emotions and actions.

How does "emotional manipulation" differ from healthy emotional expression?

Unlike healthy emotional expression, "emotional manipulation" is intended to control or exploit another person. It often involves dishonesty, coercion, and disregard for the other person's feelings.

What can I say instead of "emotional manipulation" to describe more subtle influence?

For more subtle influence, consider using terms like "persuasion", "influence", or "emotional influence". These terms don't necessarily imply negative intent.

How can I recognize "emotional manipulation" in a relationship?

Signs of "emotional manipulation" include feeling constantly guilty, questioning your sanity, being isolated from friends and family, and feeling like you're always walking on eggshells. If you experience these, seek support.