gaslight
UK[ˈɡæslaɪt]US[ˈɡæslaɪt]
v
To manipulate someone by psychological means into questioning their own sanity or perception of reality.
Morpheme Breakdown
gas
light
gas
light
Etymology
The term originates from the title of Patrick Hamilton's 1938 play "Gas Light" and its subsequent film adaptations. In the story, a husband manipulates his wife by dimming the gas lights in their home and then denying that any change has occurred, making her doubt her own perceptions. The literal components, 'gas' (a combustible fuel used for illumination) and 'light' (illumination), combine to name the specific theatrical device. Through metaphorical extension in psychological discourse, the compound noun was verbed in the mid-20th century to describe the malicious and manipulative tactic of causing someone to distrust their own reality.
Analysis
Structure: gas + light
- gas: Origin: Greek 'khaos' via Flemish chemist J.B. van Helmont. Role: A substance in a state like air.
- light: Origin: Old English 'lēoht'. Role: The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.
Examples
The documentary explored how authoritarian regimes often gaslight their citizens about historical events.
She realized her partner was trying to gaslight her by contradicting things she clearly remembered saying.
A key tactic of emotional abuse is to gaslight the victim into believing they are overly sensitive or irrational.