Gaslighting

What does gaslighting mean?

Manipulating information to create doubt

Gaslighting is a term for when a person purposefully confuses someone by giving them false information in order to create doubt in their own memory. It is commonly done in relationships and in the work setting in order to intimidate and manipulate people. It is also done by corrupt governments in order to control their citizens.

The term comes from "Gas Light," a 1938 stage play where a husband tries to convince his wife that she is insane by changing small features in their environment. Gaslighting may involve giving people false information and/or moving objects that they will notice in order to convince them that they are losing their mind.

Example

She finally set up a hidden camera and discovered that he was gaslighting her this whole time

The feeling of a gaslighting victim

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Updated November 4, 2020

Gaslighting definition by Slang.net

This page explains what the slang term "Gaslighting" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been written and compiled by the Slang.net team.

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