General
gaslighting
What does gaslighting mean?
A form of psychological manipulation where someone makes you question your own memory, perception, or sanity, often by denying things that happened. It's a serious abuse tactic that's now widely discussed online.
"He kept insisting the argument never happened, classic gaslighting."
Origin
"Gaslighting" comes from the 1938 play (and 1944 film) "Gas Light," where a husband manipulates his wife into doubting her sanity. It became a mainstream psychology and internet term in the late 2010s, named Merriam-Webster's 2022 Word of the Year.
Frequently asked questions
What does gaslighting mean?
Gaslighting is manipulating someone into doubting their own memory, perception, or sanity — a serious abuse tactic now widely discussed.
Where did gaslighting come from?
It comes from the 1938 play "Gas Light" and became mainstream in the late 2010s, named Merriam-Webster's 2022 Word of the Year.
Is gaslighting overused?
Some argue yes — it's often applied loosely online to any disagreement, which can dilute a serious term.
How do you use gaslighting in a sentence?
For example: "he's gaslighting me" — making you doubt your own reality.
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