Gaslighting is a form of psychological and emotional abuse in which one person manipulates another into doubting their own perceptions, memories, or sense of reality. The goal of gaslighting is to confuse the victim, undermine their confidence in their own thoughts and feelings, and gain control or power over them
. Key characteristics of gaslighting include:
- Convincing someone that their memories or perceptions are wrong or fabricated, often by denying or distorting facts the victim knows to be true
- Diverting attention away from the issue by changing the subject or accusing the victim of getting ideas from others
- Trivializing the victim’s feelings by calling them overly sensitive or overreacting, which invalidates their emotional experience
- Causing the victim to question their sanity, judgment, and self-worth, leading to confusion, insecurity, and dependence on the abuser
- It often starts subtly and escalates over time, making the victim increasingly unsure of their reality and more reliant on the gaslighter
The term "gaslighting" comes from the 1938 play Gas Light and its 1944 film adaptation, where a husband manipulates his wife into believing she is mentally unstable by dimming gas lights and denying it, among other tactics
. Gaslighting can occur in various relationships, including romantic partnerships, family, friendships, workplaces, and even politics. It is a deliberate act of deception aimed at controlling or dominating the other person
. In summary, to gaslight someone means to manipulate them into doubting their own reality, causing emotional harm and gaining control over them through psychological abuse
