English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

noun

gaslight

GAS-lyt

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Gaslight (noun) means a lamp that produces light by burning piped gas. Example: “The old street was lit by gaslight before electricity arrived.”

noun

1

historical A lamp that produces light by burning piped gas.

"The old street was lit by gaslight before electricity arrived."

"She read by gaslight, the flame flickering in its glass case."

"Many Victorian homes were fitted with gaslight in every room."

verb

1

To manipulate someone so that they doubt their own memory, perception, or sanity.

"He tried to gaslight her into thinking she had imagined the argument."

"Colleagues accused the manager of gaslighting staff over missed deadlines."

"She realised she was being gaslighted when small facts kept being denied."

How to use gaslight

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGaslight is either an old-fashioned gas lamp, or, as a verb, a way of manipulating someone into doubting their own reality.

When to use it

The verb is now common in everyday and psychological contexts, while the noun mostly appears when describing historical settings.

Memory tip

The past tense of the verb can be either 'gaslighted' or 'gaslit', so both forms are acceptable.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

gaslight someone being gaslit gaslighting behavior lit by gaslight

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “gaslight” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old street was lit by _____ before electricity arrived.

Etymology

The noun combines 'gas' with 'light', naming the lamps that burned piped gas for illumination. The verb comes from the 1938 stage play Gas Light by Patrick Hamilton and its later film versions, in which a husband manipulates his wife into doubting her own sanity.

Origin: English

Synonyms

gas lamp

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean to gaslight someone?

It means deliberately manipulating them so they start to doubt their own memory, perceptions, or sanity, usually to gain control over them.

Where does the word 'gaslight' come from?

The verb traces back to a 1938 play called Gas Light, later adapted into films, in which a husband secretly manipulates gas lamps and other details to convince his wife she is losing her mind.

Is gaslight still used to mean an actual lamp?

Yes, though it is now mostly a historical term for the gas-burning lamps used before electric lighting became common.

What is the meaning of gaslight?

"gaslight" (noun) means a lamp that produces light by burning piped gas.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial