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gaslight
Gaslight (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does gaslight mean?
To deliberately cause someone to doubt their perceptions, memories, or sanity.
"He would gaslight her by constantly questioning her perception of events."
Detailed Meaning of Gaslight
It is a form of psychological manipulation aimed at distorting another person's reality and undermining their confidence and sense of self. Gaslighting typically involves denying or trivializing someone's experiences or feelings, distorting the truth, or presenting false information to make the victim question their own perception of events. This tactic is often employed in abusive or controlling relationships or situations where one person seeks to exert power and control over another. Gaslighting can cause the victim to doubt their own judgment, memory, and overall sense of reality, leading to confusion, self-doubt, and emotional distress. It is a harmful form of manipulation that undermines a person's autonomy, erodes their self-esteem, and creates a power imbalance in the relationship. Recognizing and addressing gaslighting is essential to protect one's mental and emotional well-being.
Example Sentences for Gaslight
1. She tried to gaslight him into thinking he was the one who forgot their anniversary.
2. You shouldn't gaslight others to save your own face.
3. Did he really forget, or was she attempting to gaslight him?
4. They attempted to gaslight their coworkers to cover up their errors.
5. Do not allow anyone to gaslight you into doubting your own sanity.
6. He started to question his own memories when she began to gaslight him.
Origin and Etymology of Gaslight
The verb 'gaslight' in the context of deliberately causing someone to doubt their perceptions, memories, or sanity is derived from the 1944 film 'Gaslight,' directed by George Cukor and based on the 1938 play 'Gas Light' by Patrick Hamilton. In the story, a husband manipulates the gas lights in their house to make them flicker and dim, while insisting to his wife that she is imagining the changes in light. This psychological manipulation leads her to question her own sanity. The term 'gaslighting' or 'to gaslight' entered the English language as a way to describe this form of psychological manipulation and emotional abuse. Although it's rooted in the specific use of gas lights in the film, it has since become a widely recognized term for undermining someone's confidence in their own perceptions and memories.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the verb gaslight:
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More Usage Examples of Gaslight
1. Gaslight him as they might, his resolve remained unshaken.
2. Many abusive individuals gaslight their partners to maintain control.
3. She could not believe that her own sister would try to gaslight her.
4. In the film, the antagonist tried to gaslight the protagonist into thinking he was losing his mind.
5. Politicians should not gaslight their constituents about the state of the economy.
6. Online trolls often gaslight their victims to create confusion and chaos.
7. His actions made me feel like he was trying to gaslight me.
8. The lawyer tried to gaslight the witness, but the jury saw through his tactics.
9. The salesperson tried to gaslight me into buying something I didn't need.
10. It's heartbreaking to see how some parents gaslight their own children.
11. He was constantly trying to gaslight me into forgetting about his constant tardiness.
12. The media often gaslight the public, skewing reality to fit a certain narrative.
13. Recognizing when someone is trying to gaslight you can be crucial for self-preservation.
14. He tried to gaslight her by denying any knowledge of the missing money.
15. Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic used to erode someone's confidence.
16. She realized her partner was trying to gaslight her into thinking she was forgetful.
17. Gaslighting can have serious emotional consequences on the victim.
18. Her ex-husband would often gaslight her during their arguments.
19. Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse that can be subtle but damaging.
20. They used gaslighting to make their coworker question her competence.
21. Gaslighting tactics include downplaying events and shifting blame.
22. Recognizing gaslighting is the first step to protecting your mental well-being.
23. She sought therapy to heal from the years of gaslighting she endured.
24. Gaslighting is never acceptable and should be addressed if experienced.
Synonyms and Related Words for Gaslight
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