Gaslighting

What does gaslighting mean?

Manipulating information or objects to make a person doubt themself

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

Related Slang

GhostlightingStop communicating with someone and pretend like you don't know him
ZombieingReturning to someone you left abruptly and acting like you mutually ended it
HauntingFollowing a romantic partner on social media after abruptly leaving them
OrbitingFollowing someone on social media without direct interaction
Love bombingBombarding someone with acts of adoration
BAICBoy am I confused
Alternative factsLies used to replace facts
blvmotBelieve me on that
DBTSDon't believe that stuff
SolangeCrazy

Usage

✓ General

Last Updated: November 4, 2020

Gaslighting definition

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

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