gas lighting

Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic where one person seeks to make another doubt their perceptions, memories, or reality. This often involves denying facts, subtly lying, or presenting misleading information, leading the victim to feel confused, insecure, or insane. The term originated from the 1944 film "Gaslight," where a husband dims the gas lights and convinces his wife she’s imagining things. Gaslighting can occur in various relationships, including personal, professional, or social contexts, and is a form of emotional abuse that undermines a person's confidence and sense of self.