“Gaslighting” means making someone doubt what they know, remember, or feel. A person who gaslights may deny things, twist the truth, or say someone is “too sensitive” so the other person starts questioning themselves.
People use this word when talking about lying or manipulation in relationships, work, family, or online. For example, if someone keeps insisting an event never happened even when it did, others may call that gaslighting.
Meaning & Usage
Gaslighting is a form of manipulation. It is used when one person tries to confuse another person and make them trust the manipulator instead of their own memory or judgment.
Examples
“He said I was imagining everything, but I know what I heard — that felt like gaslighting.”
“Don’t let anyone gaslight you into thinking your feelings are not real.”
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 in everyday life?
Yes. It can happen in relationships, families, friendships, at work, or in online arguments.
Is gaslighting the same as lying?
Not exactly. Lying is saying something untrue, while gaslighting is trying to make someone doubt their own reality or memory.
Leave a Reply