Can We Please Stop Using The Word Manipulation By Itself

can we please stop using the word manipulation by itself

I am so tired of people saying “Poor ___(usually Tommy), he got manipulated by _____(usually Wilbur)!!” like ok? care to elaborate? care to tell me what he manipulated him into doing? Did he guilt trip him into giving him a cookie or did he push him into a traumatizing situation?

Manipulation is not a synonym for abuse!! Or for hurting someone!! Manipulation means to use underhanded tactics to persuade someone of doing something. Yes, its not a good thing to do! And yes, manipulation is common in abusive relationships and can be used to hurt someone by manipulating them into a situation that may hurt them! But just saying that manipulation by itself means literally nothing! I may not agree with the some of these takes but please, at least word your takes like “Wilbur manipulated Tommy into joining L’Manberg.” 

Also while we’re at it can we please stop using gaslighting as a synonym for manipulation. It’s not. Please.