'automanipulation' originates from two elements: the Greek 'autos' meaning 'self' and the Latin-derived 'manipulation' from 'manipulatio' (from Latin 'manipulus' meaning 'handful' or 'a handling').

'auto-' (from Greek 'autos') was combined with Latin-derived English 'manipulation' (from Medieval Latin 'manipulatio' < Latin 'manipulus') in modern English coinage to form the compound 'automanipulation'; the compound follows a common pattern of prefixing 'auto-' to an existing noun to indicate 'self-' or 'automatic' action.

Initially, the components meant 'self' (for 'auto-') and 'handling' or 'manipulation' (for 'manipulation'); combined, the modern formation has come to mean either self-directed psychological handling (self-manipulation) or automated/mechanical handling (automatic manipulation), depending on context.