gaslighting

[ gas-lahy-ting ]

noun

1. the use of psychological manipulation to undermine a person’s faith in their own judgment, memory, or sanity:

   Gaslighting is not restricted to romantic relationships, but also occurs in friendships and among family members.

2. the practice of deceiving people through the repetition of a constructed false narrative:

   It’s not uncommon for victims of gaslighting to argue passionately in favor of the story they’ve been fed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaslighting¹

First recorded in 1815–25, for a literal sense; 1960–65, for the current senses; gaslight ( def ) + -ing ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Trump’s reliance on gaslighting was flagged repeatedly in his 2016 campaign.

From Salon

“More Cowbell”: This skit is the ultimate example of gaslighting.

From Los Angeles Times

Jonathan Chait of New York magazine wrote that Trump "sounds like a domestic abuser," who is gaslighting women by telling them their concerns about abortion rights aren't real.

From Salon

It’s only our distance from so many of the calamities we contribute to that allows so many candidates for public office to adapt gaslighting as an effective political strategy.

From Los Angeles Times

By the time his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, echoed similar complaints in a speech Monday, many of their opponents were aghast, accusing the duo of “gaslighting” the public.

From Los Angeles Times