How Do You Spell GASLIGHTING?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈasla͡ɪtɪŋ] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the word is "gaslighting". It is pronounced as /ˈɡæsˌlaɪtɪŋ/. The term "gaslighting" refers to a form of psychological manipulation where an individual tries to make someone doubt their own perceptions or memories. The word "gaslighting" originated from the 1944 film "Gaslight" where the husband manipulates his wife into believing she is going insane by flickering the gaslights. The spelling adheres to the English language's standard phonetic rules, with no silent letters or unusual letter combinations.

GASLIGHTING Meaning and Definition

  1. Gaslighting is a psychological manipulation tactic used by individuals or groups to undermine someone's sense of reality and perception. This form of emotional abuse is designed to make the victim doubt their own sanity, memory, judgment, or perception of events. The term "gaslighting" originates from the 1938 play "Gas Light" and its 1944 film adaptation, where the husband deliberately deceives his wife into believing she is going insane by manipulating her surroundings.

    Gaslighting involves various techniques aimed at invalidating the victim's experiences and thoughts. Perpetrators often employ persistent denial, misdirection, contradiction, or outright lying to confuse or disorient the victim. This can lead to the victim questioning their own sanity, as they become increasingly dependent on the gaslighter's version of reality. Over time, this erodes the individual's self-confidence and ability to trust their own judgment.

    Gaslighting can occur in various contexts, such as personal relationships, workplaces, or even in wider societal or political settings. It is a highly destructive form of manipulation that can cause immense psychological harm to the victim, including self-doubt, anxiety, depression, and even a loss of one's own identity. Recognizing gaslighting is crucial, as it empowers individuals to stand up against such abuse and seek support from trusted sources, such as friends, family, or professionals.

Etymology of GASLIGHTING

The word "gaslighting" originated from a play called "Gas Light" written by Patrick Hamilton in 1938. The play was later adapted into several films, notably the 1944 film "Gaslight" starring Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer. The term "gaslighting" specifically refers to a manipulative tactic used by the main male character in the play and film, who tries to convince his wife that she is going insane by making her doubt her own perceptions.

The title "Gas Light" is derived from a key plot element in the story. The husband secretly dims the gaslights in their house, causing them to flicker. When the wife notices the changes in the lights and brings it up, he denies any alterations, insisting that it is her imagination. This constant denial and manipulation aims to make her question her own sanity.

Idioms with the word GASLIGHTING

  • gaslighting Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a person seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or in members of a targeted group, making them question their own memory, perception, or sanity.