“Gaslighting” means trying to make someone doubt what they know, remember, or feel. A person who gaslights may deny things they said, twist the truth, or act like the other person is “overreacting” or “imagining things.”
People use this word when someone is being emotionally manipulative in a way that makes another person question their own judgment. In daily life, you might hear it in relationships, at work, or in family arguments, such as when someone keeps saying, “That never happened,” even when it did.
Meaning & Usage
Gaslighting is used to describe a harmful pattern of behavior, not just a simple disagreement. It usually involves making someone feel confused, insecure, or unable to trust themselves.
Examples
For example, if a person lies and then insists the lie was never told, that can be gaslighting. Another example is telling someone, “You’re too sensitive, that didn’t hurt you,” to make them doubt their feelings.
Is gaslighting always intentional?
Usually, yes. The word is often used when someone is deliberately trying to control or confuse another person.
Can gaslighting happen at work?
Yes. It can happen in any setting where one person keeps denying facts or making another person doubt themselves.
Is gaslighting the same as lying?
Not exactly. Lying is false information, while gaslighting is a repeated pattern meant to make someone question their reality.
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